Australian Retirement Trust chooses new CEO

Australian Retirement Trust has named David Anderson as its new chief executive to replace Bernard Reilly, who will leave the post after bedding down the biggest merger in Australia's superannuation history.

The appointment of Anderson comes nine months after Reilly announced his plans to step down as chief executive, having completed the merger of Sunsuper and QSuper.

ART - whose seven-year strategy sees assets jump to $500 billion - appointed recruitment house Egon Zehnder to hunt for his replacement.

Anderson joins from Mercer, where he spent the past 25 years.

Most recently, he served as global chief commercial officer based in London.

Before that, he was president of Mercer's international division where he looked after the consultant's clients and teams in more than 175 cities and 42 countries outside the United States and Canada.

During his long career at Mercer, Anderson held several leadership roles including head of the financial services business for Asia Pacific and head of Australia and New Zealand.

Before landing at Mercer, Anderson headed up AMP's consulting arm.

ART chair Andrew Fraser stressed that the appointment comes at an critical time for the super fund given the rapidly changing superannuation landscape.

"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," Fraser said.

"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, Anderson said he was "delighted" to be returning to Australia to join the 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. "

Once again,  Fraser thanked Reilly for his leadership and commitment to the fund over his tenure as chief executive.

Anderson will be based in Brisbane and will start his new job once a month after Reilly departs.

The two executives will work together to ensure a smooth transition in the coming months.