REI Super CEO to depart fund

REI Super has announced that long-serving chief executive officer Mal Smith will be stepping down in August 2019 to "explore new professional opportunities."

REI Super chair Claire Higgins said of Smith's contribution to the fund: "Mal has been the driving force behind REI Super's growth and stability for the last 15 years and has successfully steered the Fund through countless changes and challenges in the superannuation industry and the broader economic environment."

She added: "The success and strength of the Fund is testament to Mal's skill and commitment. On behalf of the board, staff and members, I extend our appreciation and thanks to Mal for his professionalism, leadership and depth of knowledge that he has dedicated to improving the retirement outcome of our members."

Smith, who will wait till a successor has been appointed before departing the fund, said that he has "really loved" the role and is "immensely grateful to everyone involved with the fund" He added that it was a "difficult decision to relinquish the role", but that its time to "embark on some new challenges."