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

SUPER FUNDS MTAA Super and Tasplan have appointed 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 September 28, 2020. His appointment completes the C-suite team that will lead the combined fund after March 31, 2021.

The full C-suite group includes CEO Leeanne Turner; chief operations officer Kathleen Crawford; CIO Ross Barry; chief strategy officer Ningning Lyons; chief of people and culture Robyn Judd; chief of governance risk and compliance Amy Ward; and chief finance officer Grace Angeles.

Current MTAA Super executive manager for 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 for operations Chris Porter; and executive manager of marketing, communications, education and advice.Michael Irving, 

Departing from Tasplan will be CEO Wayne Davy; COO and deputy CEO Nick Connor; executive manager for trategy Keryn Welch; chief risk officer Greg Hanigan; and acting CIO 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.

“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 was 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," Ms Edwards said. "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.”

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