MTAA Super and Tasplan finalise C-Suite structure ahead of merger

MTAA Super/ Tasplan

Super funds MTAA Super and Tasplan have appointed Dr Ross Barry as Chief Investment Officer ahead of their merger next year.

With over 25 years’ experience, Dr Barry is a pioneer in institutional investing in Australia and is well known in the super industry as a specialist in private market investing and a leading proponent of active asset ownership. He was most recently the senior investment leader for First State Super.
Dr Barry will join MTAA Super on 28 September 2020. His appointment completes the C-Suite team that will lead the combined fund after 31 March 2021.
The full C-Suite going forward includes:
* Leeanne Turner, Chief Executive Officer
* Kathleen Crawford, Chief Operations Officer
* Dr Ross Barry, Chief Investment Officer
* Ningning Lyons, Chief Strategy Officer
* Robyn Judd, Chief of People and Culture
* Amy Ward, Chief of Governance, Risk and Compliance
* Grace Angeles, Chief Finance Officer

Current MTAA Super Executive Manager Investments Phil Brown will assist with the handover before stepping down in mid-October after 15 years of service.

More MTAA Super and Tasplan executives will exit following completion of the merger.
Departing from MTAA Super will be Deputy CEO Michael Sykes; Executive Manager, Operations Chris Porter; and Michael Irving, Executive Manager of Marketing, Communications, Education and Advice.
Departing from Tasplan will be CEO Wayne Davy; Chief Operations Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Nick Connor; Executive Manager, Strategy Keryn Welch; Chief Risk Officer Greg Hanigan; and Acting Chief Investment Officer Dave Stuart.
CEO designate of the new merged entity, Leeanne Turner said, “On behalf of our respective Boards, staff, and members, I sincerely thank all the executives for their dedication and commitment to the funds. They have been instrumental in driving this merger and have been integral to our success for many years leading up to this. I wish them all the best with their future endeavours.”
She continued, “We are excited about the future. This merger will allow us to provide the personal customer service benefits of a smaller fund while harnessing the benefits of scale a larger fund can bring.”
Chair of Tasplan, Naomi Edwards said the focus is now on completing the merger with minimal disruption to members and employers.
“To date, the merger process has been very smooth, and we want to keep it that way. So, having our C- Suite structure in place early is critical. I’m very excited about the team we have put together and I have no doubt they will help us build a fund that our members can be proud of.”
/Public Release.