The appointments also strengthen the Board’s skills in targeted areas and increase the diversity of experience as LGS positions itself for future growth and to enhance member value. The newly appointed Chair will provide strategic direction to help the Fund to better serve the current and future needs of our members. LGS has historically delivered long-term value, consistent financial outcomes for members, while doing so, is mindful of implementing sustainability considerations in all its investment decisions.  

The outgoing Chair, Bruce Miller remains on the Board as a Deputy Chair.

Mr Miller, said: “The Board welcomes Kyle Loades as the first independent Chair. He brings a track record of leadership, member-focussed transformation and digital client service gained from Board experience with organisations such as the NRMA, Credit Union Australia, roles with community organisations and as a founder of an innovative business. His focus on member-based organisations and innovation will be an asset to the LGS Board as we work to deliver the best possible retirement outcomes for our members.

“Kyle will be joined by Sandi Orleow, LGS’ first female Independent Director. Sandi has extensive board experience in the local and global financial services sector, with a particular focus on superannuation, investment management and consulting. Her in-depth financial services expertise will make her a great asset to the Board. She is a strong advocate for innovation and growth strategies to allow these to be considered and successfully integrated in traditional businesses for the benefit of members.”

LGS incoming Chair, Kyle Loades, said: “LGS has an enviable investment track record, and is consistently recognised as a global leader for its long-term commitment to responsible and sustainable investing. I’m honoured to be appointed LGS’ first independent Chair, and to work with a Board and a leadership team who are committed to delivering great member outcomes.

“Achieving the best possible retirement outcomes for members will continue to be the focus of the current and future Board and leadership teams. At the same time, the Board sees opportunity to enhance member value in the future. In line with APRA’s expectations and support, this will be an active consideration for the Board and the leadership team.

“With a solid base of existing members and a singular focus on member benefit, LGS has an opportunity to grow as we enhance member value and continue to help members have a better retirement thanks to long-term sustainable returns. I look forward to leading the Board and working with the executive team to serve members well now and in future.”

LGS Acting Chief Executive Officer, Donna Heffernan said: “The leadership team is excited to have the benefit of Kyle and Sandi’s in-depth experience from other member-focused organisations. Kyle has worked closely with executive teams of prominent and well-respected member-based organisations to significantly enhance member value. Similarly, Sandi has held various director and investment committee roles at relevant member-based and investment-focused organisations such as CFA Societies Australia, Statewide Super as well as Women in Super that we expect will benefit our Board, investments, and our members.”

“We look forward to leveraging Kyle and Sandi’s board and executive experience and expertise for the benefit of our members.”

Kyle and Sandi commenced their roles on 22 October 2019.

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Bruce Miller

Local Government Super (LGS, the Fund) has announced that its total funds under management (FUM) has reached $12 billion. This milestone demonstrates Australia’s growing appetite for genuine long-term responsible investment and reflects LGS’ ongoing commitment to achieving long-term sustainable returns for our members.

LGS’ acting Chief Executive Officer, Donna Heffernan, said: “We are extremely proud of the Fund’s strong growth and consistent performance over recent years. Looking back, LGS doubled its total FUM in just over seven years to reach $10 billion in April 2017, we then grew to $11 billion in March 2018 and now in June 2019 we have reached $12 billion.”

“This achievement is a testament to our long-standing commitment to responsible investments here in Australia and internationally. The core of our strategy is to align our investment philosophy with the needs and aspirations of our members. Our aim is to provide our members with the high levels of service and the value for money they need to achieve their retirement goals.”

LGS Chair, Bruce Miller, said: “LGS’ consistent and positive financial performance demonstrates why our responsible investment philosophy makes real commercial sense. We actively engage and educate our members about our approach and we strongly believe all super funds have a responsibility to invest and operate in a responsible and sustainable manner.

“LGS is committed to enhancing the retirement income of our members through the benefits of long-term sustainable returns.”

LGS recently achieved Australia’s first carbon neutral property portfolio certification by the Australian Government for all NABERS rated buildings in its property portfolio, and has achieved a 5-Star GRESB rating for its direct property portfolio.

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Mr Miller brings extensive local government and financial management experience to the position, having been a Councillor at Cowra Shire Council for 22 years, including 14 years as Mayor. He is also a Director and a former Chair of StateCover Mutual Limited.

Existing Director, Martin O’Connell, replaces Leo Kelly as Deputy Chair of the Board.

These appointments were made in accordance with the fund’s two-year rotation policy. Both John Beacroft and Leo Kelly remain on the Board as Directors.

Local Government Super is also pleased to announce the appointment of two new directors, Michelle Blicavs and Keith Rhoades, who replace outgoing directors Beverley Giegerl and Sam Byrne.

Both directors bring a wealth of financial management and local government experience to the Board of Local Government Super.

Ms Blicavs has more than ten years senior management experience in the service and not-for-profit sectors. She is currently a Councillor at Wollongong City Council and the Finance and Operations Manager at the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Australasia. 

Mr Rhoades has been a Councillor at Coffs Harbour City Council for 21 years, including eight years as Mayor, and is currently the Joint President of Local Government NSW. He also holds directorships with Local Government Procurement Pty Ltd and StateCover Mutual Limited.

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