Four roles lost with ASFA changes

The peak body for superannuation funds has overhauled its operations in a move that will see the departure of four staffers.

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia confirmed that the restructuring would see the removal of the chief policy officer role.

Consequently, ASFA's deputy chief executive Glen McCrea, who also runs policy, will leave the association in the next few weeks.

ASFA chair Gary Dransfield noted the strong balance sheet and solid financial position and said the changes will build on its research and technical policy strengths.

Dransfield also said the new structure will facilitate collaboration within the organisation and with members.

"Providing a research-backed evidence base for informing policy decisions is more critical than ever, as is the ability to bring the whole industry together to collaborate on the practical implementation of legislation and regulation across the superannuation ecosystem," he said.

McCrea has been in the dual role for almost six years.

He arrived from Treasury bringing14 years of government policy experience.

Most recently he was a manager of the superannuation and Insurance division.

There, he led analytical and strategic policy research on several policy issues and implemented the reform agenda in those areas.

McCrea's exit comes one month after industry veteran Leeanne Turner accepted an acting chief executive role at ASFA.

Turner replaced Martin Fahy on an interim basis.

Incidentally, that's when Dransfield became chair.

Last month, Dransfield said the superannuation industry is on the cusp of the largest generation in Australian history entering the retirement phase, a transitioning economy, increased scrutiny, changing member engagement, and increased complexity.

"Consequently, the board is particularly keen to have someone with Turner's knowledge and experience to help out at such a crucial time," he added.

During her long career in the sector, she has served as CEO of AvSuper, MTAA Super, and Spirit Super following the merger of MTAA Super and Tasplan.

It seems this is a difficult time for lobby groups.

A couple of months back, Industry Super Australia and the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees merged operations to create  more streamlined group to lobby on behalf of asset owners.