Former Principal Adviser to Paul Keating joins AustralianSuper

AustralianSuper has appointed Dr Don Russell as a new independent director of the $150 billion fund.

Russell previously served as a global investment strategist at BNY Mellon Asset Management Australia and as the independent chair of State Super. From 1993 to 1995, he also served as Australia's Ambassador to the USA in Washington, and from 1985 to 1993, and again in 1996, he was the principal adviser to the Hon Paul Keating.

Commenting on his appointment, AustralianSuper chair Heather Ridout said: "Don has an exceptional background in a wide variety of sectors and brings a deep understanding of finance, superannuation and public policy to AustralianSuper."

She added: "As someone who was instrumental in the establishment of the Superannuation Guarantee, Don has a deep appreciation of the important role super plays in the lives of working Australians."

Russell joins fellow independent director Jim Craig, as well as five member representative and five employer representative directors on the AustralianSuper board.