Australian Retirement Trust finalises global search for new Chief Executive Officer

Media release - 14 December 2023

Australian Retirement Trust (ART), one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, has announced the appointment of David Anderson as its next Chief Executive Officer following an extensive global search and selection process.

David brings to ART more than 30 years of experience in insurance, financial services and professional services having led teams in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Having spent the past 25 years with Mercer, David’s most recent role was global Chief Commercial Officer. Prior to this role, David was President, International with responsibility for all of Mercer’s clients and teams in more than 175 cities and 42 countries outside the United States and Canada. For the past nine years, since he left Australia, David has been based in New York and London where he gained invaluable global experience in retirement savings, employee benefits and investments.

Chair of Australian Retirement Trust, Andrew Fraser, said the appointment comes at an important time for the Fund as it delivers its next phase of its vision to be Australia's most chosen and trusted retirement partner.

“With a changing superannuation landscape, this is an exciting time for Australian Retirement Trust and we believe David Anderson will be an exceptional leader to steward the fund and our people on behalf of our 2.3 million members.

"The Australian Retirement Trust Board believes David’s experience and capabilities, global as well as local perspective, leadership style and values will enable him to be an outstanding CEO of ART.

“As one of Australia’s largest funds we’re committed to growing and guarding the retirement savings of all members, who entrust us with their superannuation.”

Commenting on the appointment David said: “I am delighted to be returning to Australia to join Australian Retirement Trust. It will be an honour to lead an organisation that has carved a legacy as one of the largest retirement savings and income funds in Australia.

“ART has been putting members' money to work both locally and globally, aiming not just for financial success but for a secure, confident and dignified retirement for their 2.3 million members. I'm excited to contribute to this mission and to bring my global experience to the table to benefit the ART team and their members.”

David Anderson’s appointment comes three months after outgoing CEO Bernard Reilly’s resignation.

Mr Fraser thanked Bernard Reilly for his leadership and commitment to the fund over his tenure as Chief Executive Officer.

“Bernard was integral to the successful delivery of the largest and most complex superannuation merger in Australian history to form Australian Retirement Trust and will leave a lasting legacy for our members. On behalf of the Board and executive team I thank Bernard for his unwavering commitment to acting in our members best interests,” Mr Fraser said.

David will be based in Brisbane and will formally commence in the role of CEO in March 2024, upon the conclusion of Bern’s announced departure at the end of February 2024.

Bernard and David will work together to ensure a smooth transition in the coming months.