CareSuper chief executive Julie Lander has won the Fund Executive Association's top award - executive of the year.
The annual award, now in its 21st year, recognises a superannuation fund executive who has made an outstanding contribution to their fund and the super industry.
Lander was recognised for her strategic and people leadership during the pandemic and recent period of legislative and regulatory change, her commitment to supporting and building the industry's reputation, and her ability to transform and grow CareSuper to become one of the most respected funds in the industry.
FEAL chair, Brian Delaney, said Lander has been an exceptional leader over the last few years as COVID has dramatically impacted the workplace and members' expectations.
"Julie's dedication to ensuring the staff of CareSuper had the best possible environment to service the members was exemplary," he said.
"Her hands-on approach to leading her team and ensuring the delivery of outstanding client service and investment performance to the members of CareSuper whilst juggling the challenging work environment was a highlight. Providing the best possible service to members whilst contributing to positive changes in the super industry more broadly makes her the perfect recipient of this award."
Delaney said Lander's 'passion for the members and staff whilst also continuing to grow by broadening her executive team has helped CareSuper's members become more engaged with their super and goals for retirement and is a case study for the industry to follow.
CareSuper manages $20 billion on behalf of 220,000 members and Lander has served as its CEO for over 20 years.
With more than 30 years of experience in superannuation, she is a director and fellow of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees, a director of FEAL and a member of AHRI and AICD.
Commenting on the 21st anniversary of the award, FEAL CEO Joanna Davison said: 'Recognising outstanding leadership in super is an important pillar to building confidence in the system and ultimately improving retirement outcomes for all Australians.