Spirit Super makes board change

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union national president Andrew Dettmer has joined the Spirit Super board, replacing long term board member David Smith.

Smith will finish his term with the fund on 31 March 2024, after nearly 12 years as a member representative director.

Spirit Super chair Maria Wilton has paid tribute to Smith's contribution.

"David has dedicated over 30 years to improving the retirement outcomes for motor trades employees and auto workers," she said.

"In that time, he has seen and been part of incredible change and evolution - both within the auto trades and here at Spirit Super."

Smith first joined the MTAA Super board in September 2012, having previously served as the alternate director for the then-union representative director of MTAA Super from 2001 to 2005.

He then continued on the Spirit Super board following the merger between MTAA Super and Tasplan in April 2021.

"David has been a conscientious director, using his immense insight, experience and influence to advance the interests of all members - regardless of industry or occupation," Wilton added.

"He's also been an invaluable advocate for the fund, using his enviable reputation as a man of integrity and fairness to forge strong, productive relationships with unions, employers, and officials at every level."

David Smith said: "Being a director of Spirit Super has been a great privilege. I have a great passion for the motor trades and have always maintained my focus on those members and their retirement outcomes.

"Yet size matters in superannuation, and as a director from the former MTAA fund I have been pleased to see Spirit Super maintain their focus for those members while broadening to be a fund for all hard-working Australians."

"This fund has great ambitions to keep delivering exceptional member experience and outcomes. I've been proud to be a part of driving it to use its size to its advantage."

Incoming director Andrew Dettmer is the national president of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union.

He has extensive knowledge of corporate governance through his AMWU responsibilities and public policy development through his involvement in the manufacturing and construction industries.

He also worked as a ministerial appointee for the National Robotics Taskforce and a national consultative forum member for Jobs and Skills Australia.

Dettmer is a board member of TAFE Queensland and chair of Union Aid Abroad - Australian People for Health, Education and Development Abroad.

Past governance experience includes director roles with the Industry Capability Network Limited and Queensland Manufacturing Institute.