This year’s top 10 stories included a peek into AustralianSuper’s international equities build out in London, AMP’s move to slash employee benefits, and plenty of hard-hitting analysis of the issues that matter in institutional investment. But the real story is how readers helped shape all of that coverage.
Orbis’ Stuart Place is riding from Melbourne to the Moon and Back to fund a treatment for the “monster of a disease” that his youngest son was born with. The investment industry is rallying behind him.
ASFA appoints new chair
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has nabbed a new chair from outside the super sector.
Gary Dransfield will step into the role of independent chair of ASFA on February 23, while current chair Dr Michael Easson will retire from the role.
“We are very pleased to have secured someone from outside the superannuation industry who will provide impartial leadership of the diverse board,” said Chris Davies, chair of the ASFA Board Nominations Committee.
“Mr Dransfield’s experience in leading financial organisations and with industry associations, regulators and government will be invaluable as the board pursues its priorities.”
Dransfield is currently a non-executive director of Hollard Insurance and of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. He was previously the CEO of Insurance Australia for Suncorp, and has been a board member and chair of both the Insurance Council of Australia and the Insurance Council of New Zealand. He has also held executive roles with IAG, Lend Lease, and AMP.
“He is equipped with deep functional expertise in marketing, sales, distribution, corporate/government affairs, product manufacturing, operations and IT which will position him well as the superannuation industry navigates substantial changes to the global economy, industry consolidation, community expectations, regulatory frameworks and the associated complexity,” Davies said.
Davies thanked Easson for his contributions to the association and wished him well in his future endeavours.
“We extend our deepest thanks to Dr Michael Easson, who has chaired the ASFA Board for the past six years,” Davies said. “He has made a valuable contribution during a period of significant legislative and regulatory change for the industry – providing leadership and guidance in dealing with a range of complex issues, including ensuring the voices of consumers and the broader ASFA membership are heard.”
