Jeremy Cooper joins Bennelong board

Jeremy Cooper, author of the Rudd Government's 2009 review into the nation's super system, has been appointed non-executive director of Bennelong Funds Management.

The retirement expert has over 35 years of experience in the legal and financial sectors, working predominantly across corporate advice, mergers and acquisitions, and superannuation.

He is a former chairman of retirement income at Challenger Limited. a full-time executive role focusing on research, public policy issues and thought leadership.

He earlier chaired the 'Cooper Review' into the superannuation system.

Most of his recommendations were subsequently adopted.

Before his review role, Cooper was deputy chairman of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission for five years from mid-2004.

Earlier in his career, he was a partner of an Australian law firm, now part of global law firm Ashurst.

Cooper is currently the chair of the advisory board of a not-for-profit superannuation think tank and is a member of the Public Policy Committee of the SMSF Association.

He is a regular public speaker and media commentator on superannuation and retirement income-related issues.

Bennelong chief executive John Burke noted the new director's wealth of industry experience and knowledge.

"Jeremy is an industry veteran with unparalleled experience and expertise in the Australian superannuation and wealth sectors."

Cooper replaces Vicki Allen, who has retired after serving eight years on the board.

Burke thanked Allen for her contribution to the firm.