Aware Super chair steps down

After nine years as chair of the $152 billion super fund, Neil Cochrane, will retire in February and be replaced by Sam Mostyn.

Cochrane became chair in 2014, so his tenure includes the period after the merger between First State Super and VicSuper in 2020.

He is a former deputy chief executive at Colonial First State Global Asset Management as well as a former chief executive of REST.

In 2005, Cochrane received the FEAL Fund Executive of the Year Award.

"Aware Super would not be what it is today without the leadership and vision provided by our retiring chair, Neil Cochrane," said Aware Super boss Deanne Stewart.

"Neil is one of the great custodians of Australia's superannuation system, having dedicated more than three decades to ensuring Australians can look forward to their best possible retirement.

"As a fund - firstly as First State Super and then as Aware Super - we have been incredibly fortunate to have benefited from his leadership since his appointment in 2014.

"I am very grateful, on a personal level, for the wisdom and guidance Neil brought to the role as chair of our board, to the benefit of all our members."

Stewart also announced that Sam Mostyn joins the board as independent chair next March.

"Sam is one of Australia's most seasoned board chairs and an experienced leader who understands that as one of Australia's largest super funds it is vitally important that we continue to deliver strong and sustainable long-term returns for our members," said Stewart.

"Sam also brings to the role the high integrity and deep care we have always found in Neil - values that underpin everything we stand for as a fund.

Mostyn said she looked forward to commencing as chair at a pivotal time for Aware Super, and Australia's retirement industry.

"It is a privilege to be appointed to succeed Neil Cochrane as Chair in 2023," she added.

"Given Aware Super's member base, I look forward to bringing a continued focus on the values and principles that have defined the culture, aspirations and strong performance of the organisation to date."

The role will see Mostyn join the equal representation board that includes appointments from the governments of New South Wales and Victoria, Unions NSW, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victoria Branch), Victorian Healthcare Association and the Australian Education Union (Victoria Branch).