Rest Super is on the hunt for a new investment chief following the resignation of Andrew Lill after four years in the role.
The shock resignation of Lill has investment professionals suggesting likely candidates for the top investment role at the $86 billion super fund.
Former Spirit Super chief investment officer Ross Barry is in pole position to replace Lill. He quit the fund ahead of its merger with CareSuper where Suzanne Branton will retain the top investment role.
Former Cbus Super deputy CIO and head of private markets, Alexandra Campbell, is a hot favourite.
So is Andrew Spence, who runs investment at Qantas Super, the $9 billion corporate fund, now merging with Australian Retirement Trust.
Funds SA chief investment officer Richard Friend is a contender, and either Graeme Miller or Andrew Howard could be looking for a place to land after the Telstra/Equip merger.
As for Lill, he will leave Rest Super next month and spend time with the family before taking up his next role.
He joined the superannuation fund in 2020 as its first chief investment officer.
Rest chief executive, Vicki Doyle said Lill has created a strong foundation for the investment team aligning with REST's member profiles.
"His accomplishments include improved performance, strong team diversity and industry leadership in responsible investing."
"The impact of Andrew's efforts will continue to serve Rest's 2 million members as we move forward towards our strategic goals."
Lill said his role as Rest's first CIO had stretched and challenged him, and he was proud of his team's achievements.
The investment chief joined Rest from Morningstar Investment Management, where he ran its US$25-billion Americas mutual fund and managed portfolio operations since 2018.
Before that, he was investment chief at Morningstar's Asia Pacific business.
Previous roles include head of investment specialist and investment solutions at AMP Capital the lead at Russell Investment's consulting business in Asia Pacific.
Rest Super's assets have risen from $53 billion to $86 billion, making it one of the country's biggest.