Aware Super

Great to see our CEO, Deanne Stewart, on the Fifty Faces Podcast sharing fresh reflections on leadership, learning, and Aware Super’s mission as we continue to scale as one of Australia’s largest super funds. Deanne talks openly about the “grab bag of experiences” that shaped her leadership — from asset management and life insurance to consulting — and why curiosity, listening and staying in “learning mode” remain central to how she leads today. She highlights our commitment to the essential workers who make up the heart of our membership, and how purpose drives the way we balance strong long-term returns with responsible ownership. Deanne also reflects on recent acquisitions and sector-wide consolidation — and why, as we grow beyond $200B in assets, expanding into global investment opportunities is critical to delivering for members now and into the future. A sharp and insightful conversation on purpose-led leadership in a fast-changing super landscape. 🔗 Listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/gBvhpyXf

In an increasingly complex environment, institutional and individual investors alike are seeking new avenues to enhance portfolio returns and lower overall risk. Private markets comprising private equity, infrastructure, property and private credit at Aware Super – are vital components of well-diversified portfolios. For us they help to deliver long-term returns to members and add resilience to our portfolios — all underpinned by an experienced investment team driving value through active asset management capabilities. This week at the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) Congress, Michael Winchester, Head of Investment Strategy at Aware, will share why private markets are essential to building portfolios designed to weather uncertainty. “Private markets give us the ability to access unique opportunities that are often at the forefront of global trends and technologies; so, we can secure long-term value, deepen diversification, and contribute to the growth of the global economy.” We’re proud to contribute to this industry conversation as we continue building future-focused portfolios for 1.2 million Australians.  #FAAACongress #FutureFocusedInvesting #AwareSuper #PrivateMarkets #Diversification #FinancialAdvice

From 1 July 2026, Australians will start receiving their super contributions every payday — a simple but powerful change that means more consistent compounding, better transparency, and fairer outcomes for millions of workers. This reform is a big win for members — especially younger Australians, women, and those in casual or insecure employment who are most impacted by unpaid super. More frequent payments mean stronger retirement savings and greater financial wellbeing over time. At Aware Super, we’ve long championed reforms that protect and grow our members’ savings. Payday Super is another important step in closing the super gap and ensuring every dollar earned is a dollar invested in our members’ futures. We’re now working closely with employers, payroll providers and the ATO to ensure a smooth transition. If you’re an employer, now’s the time to review your systems and get ready for the change. #PaydaySuper #AwareSuper #Superannuation #RetirementReady #FinancialWellbeing #SuperReform #FairFuture #LegislationUpdate

We're pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Warner as our Chief Investment Officer, effective 1 December 2025. Simon joined Aware Super in 2023 as Head of Portfolio Management, leading teams managing $140 billion across private equity, infrastructure, property and public equities. His appointment follows a comprehensive global search and ensures continuity of our investment strategy.   With over 25 years of experience across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and London, Simon brings exceptional governance credentials and deep expertise across public and private markets. He has previously held senior executive roles at AMP Capital and JP Morgan Chase.   Simon's focus on delivering strong, sustainable risk-adjusted returns whilst reducing costs reflects our commitment to putting members first. His appointment is another example of our strong succession planning and the exceptional talent within Aware Super.   Congratulations, Simon.   Read the full announcement: https://bit.ly/43HhgRa

Technology, data and AI leadership have a critical role in delivering better outcomes for Aware Super's 1.2 million members and supporting our strategic priorities to 2030.   Recognising this, Aware has elevated our highly experienced technology and data chief Richard Exton to the Group Executive, reporting to the CEO.   In his 8 years with the fund, Richard has been instrumental to Aware's major technology transformations, including the insourcing and modernisation of our administration platform.   CEO Deanne Stewart said: “Richard’s leadership will continue to be instrumental as we accelerate our digital capabilities and ensure technology remains a key enabler of member outcomes and competitive advantage for Aware Super."   Read more here: http://bit.ly/43tP2t1

Congratulations to our CEO Deanne Stewart, recognised by UNSW Sydney with the 2025 Alumni Award for Professional Achievement. Deanne’s leadership has always been about more than performance — it’s about purpose. Under her guidance, Aware Super continues to help Australians retire with dignity, equity, and confidence, while driving responsible investment and stronger member outcomes. A wonderful acknowledgment of impact that matters. Congratulations also to all the other inspiring 2025 UNSW Alumni Award recipients — each making a remarkable difference in their fields. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gPy4FUGa

By 2050, one in four Australians will be retired and our research shows most of us don’t feel ready for it. Declining health, financial pressures and access to meaningful work all play a significant role in shaping retirement decisions. We know we can’t solve these considerations and challenges alone. That’s why this morning Aware Super brought together voices from across the healthcare landscape, including NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM, The Hon. Daniel Mookhey, Minister for the Treasury and NSW Treasury Secretary Michael Coutts-Trotter, to reimagine how we approach the convergence of health, ageing and retirement. Thank you to all who attended and contributed this morning.   #AwareSuper #Retirement #FutureOfWork #Healthcare #ThoughtLeadership #Collaboration #Leadership  

We’re proud to share that Aware Super has been named a Customer Champion for the second year running, topping the Established Business to Consumer category in the AFR Customer Champions list. 🏆 Deanne Stewart sums up why this matters so well: "Success isn’t just about strong investment performance — it’s about making super simple, human and useful." This recognition reflects what matters most to us: putting members first — from intuitive tech that makes super easier to navigate, to personalised hybrid advice, to tools that help people feel confident about their retirement. It’s proof that when you build with members, not just for them, the results speak for themselves. #SuperHelpful #CustomerChampion #RetirementReady Read more here: http://bit.ly/4haIuoR

Yesterday our CIO Damian Graham addressed the Delivering 2032 Queensland Infrastructure Summit. Alongside Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) Infrastructure Facility CEO, Louie Trajkoski, GAICD and moderator Amanda Yeates, Damian congratulated the Queensland government for their new initiatives to facilitate construction and development of new affordable housing in the state ahead of the Olympic Games. He also outlined three key things to facilitate further investment into the sunshine State including: 🔎 Risk/return profile: engaging early with the private sector to develop the appropriate structure and risk share mechanisms 🔎 Scale: superfunds in particular are attracted to projects that require significant capital deployment 🔎 CPI linkage: superfunds are attracted to projects that provide CPI-linked cash flows   We look forward to supporting the Government where possible at this exciting time in the lead up to 2032. Jarrod Bleijie MP

We’re thrilled to celebrate an Effie win for Super Helpful! Huge thanks to our partners Thinkerbell and Atomic 212º, and our brilliant Brand team Sally Gross, Jo Elford, Meredith Williams, Cassie Flemming, Joady Weatherup, Melanie Gandevia, Vi Nguyen, and Gretchen Fox for turning purpose into impact — and showing what happens when creativity and collaboration put members first. 🏆 🩷