Mr Warne, who trained as an actuary, has had a distinguished career in financial services spanning over 40 years. He recently retired as Chair of Macquarie Group after 6 years in the role and 15 years as a Director. Over the course of his career he has served on the board of a number of ASX listed and private companies, including ASX Limited and T Corp; prior to which he had a long and highly successful executive career at Bankers Trust Australia Limited, where he headed the Global Financial Markets Group.

Mr Warne’s appointment follows the announcement last month that Mark Armour will take over the UniSuper Chair role when current Chair, Ian Martin, retires at the end of the year. Mr Armour is the current Chair of the Investment Committee.

Commenting on his appointment, Peter Warne said: “I have always been impressed by UniSuper’s market leading investment capabilities and value proposition it offers its members, and I am looking forward to contributing to the Fund as an independent board member and Investment Committee Chair”.

UniSuper Chair, Ian Martin, said: “Peter is highly respected both in Australia and globally for his stellar business career, commercial acumen and values, and his personal touch. The UniSuper Board is both delighted and honoured to welcome him as a Director and Chair of the Investment Committee”.

UniSuper CEO, Peter Chun, added: “Mr Warne’s appointment to our Board and as Chair of our Investment Committee brings incredible experience, wisdom and insight which is sure to benefit the fund and our members. Members should feel assured that the appointment of a professional of this calibre to the Board is a real vote of confidence for the future of the fund.”

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“We are excited to be continuing our long-term partnership with the NPS,” said Ian Martin, global head of Asset Owner Segment at State Street. “Over the past decade, the NPS has diversified its investment portfolio by raising allocations to foreign and alternative assets. Searching for returns across multiple asset classes requires a fresh approach to mitigating risk and managing data. We are proud to be helping the NPS harmonize and capitalize on data. This reappointment underscores our capabilities in terms of supporting pension funds to manage risk effectively, drive operational efficiency, balance liquidity and achieve better outcomes for their members.”

State Street has been providing custody, fund accounting, performance and analytics, mandate compliance and securities lending services to the NPS’ global equity and alternatives portfolio since 2014. In 2018, the NPS appointed State Street to support its middle-office operations, including Investment Book of Record (IBOR) services, transaction management, trade processing and data consolidation and customization services.

“Over the past seven years, we have built a strong partnership with the NPS based not only our capabilities but also on our focus on continuous innovation and commitment to prioritize environmental, social and governance (ESG),” said Mostapha Tahiri, chief executive officer for Asia Pacific at State Street. “Sustainability is one of the six investment principles of the NPS and it is also a core value for State Street. We embed ESG principles into everything we do to create a more sustainable future for our business and the communities we serve. Many leading institutional investors in Asia Pacific, like the NPS, have been incorporating ESG factors into their investment processes. In the fast-paced, ever-changing financial services industry, we innovate constantly to help our clients stay abreast of and manage critical business issues.”

State Street services more than 500 asset owners across pensions, corporations, endowments and foundations globally. Its asset owner solutions range from asset management, liquidity, investment operations and global custody, to institutional accounting, and data and analytics.

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[1] Source: Reuters , April 9, 2021
[2] Source: NPS website, as of end April 2021

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Mr Chun brings close to 30 years’ experience in financial services across both the retail and industry fund sectors, particularly in roles spanning business development, marketing, product development, digitisation, client services and business transformation.

Most recently, he has been at Aware Super as Group Executive, Member Growth, with responsibility for leading the Brand, Marketing, Digital, Product and Business Development functions.

Prior to Aware, he spent over a decade at Colonial First State in roles spanning product, distribution and investments.

Mr Chun is a qualified Actuary having completed a Bachelor of Economics, majoring in Actuarial Studies at Macquarie University. He also has Graduate Diplomas in Applied Finance and Investments and Financial Planning from the Securities Institute of Australia; and has undertaken the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

A pivotal time – giving more people access to one of Australia’s most awarded funds

Mr Chun joins UniSuper at a pivotal time in the Fund’s 38-year history. Earlier this month the Fund announced it will be opening to new members from outside the higher education and research sector from 5 July, giving more people access to one of Australia’s most awarded, best performing and lowest cost super funds.

Announcing the appointment, UniSuper Chair, Ian Martin, said the Board was thrilled to have someone of Peter’s calibre and experience stepping in to lead UniSuper during this time of change and growth.

“Peter has worked across all aspects of the superannuation sector and brings immense qualifications, experience and insight to the role. We look forward to welcoming him to the business later in the year.” Mr Martin also thanked out-going CEO, Kevin O’Sullivan, for his leadership of and contribution to the Fund over the last eight years.

“On behalf of the Board and all UniSuper employees I reinforce my gratitude and thanks to Kevin for his commitment and contribution to UniSuper over the past eight years. Kevin leaves the fund in very strong shape with a reputation and established track record as unquestionably one of Australia’s top superannuation funds.” Mr Martin said.

Mr Chun will officially join UniSuper on 6 September and Mr O’Sullivan will stay on until that time to ensure a smooth transition.

“UniSuper represents one of the most respected, best performing Funds in the sector,” Mr Chun said. “I am extremely excited to be able to lead such a dynamic and successful team and look forward to working closely with the Board, Kevin and the Executive team as I take on the role later this year.

“This is an exciting time for UniSuper and its members. The superannuation sector is changing rapidly, and it is important that Funds continue to evolve and adapt.

“The Fund has a uniquely deep relationship with its members; particularly in the higher education sector and UniSuper’s core purpose – to deliver greater retirement outcomes for members – will continue unchanged. I am motivated and committed to making impactful change to retirement outcomes for Australians and this role furthers that opportunity for me professionally and personally.”

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In making the announcement, UniSuper’s Chair, Ian Martin, commented: “Kevin has led UniSuper with distinction over the last 8 years and the Board sincerely thanks him for his leadership, contribution and commitment over that period.

“Under Kevin’s leadership, UniSuper has consistently been recognised as one of Australia’s leading superannuation funds, ranked amongst the top five funds for investment performance, member satisfaction and advice services.

“Kevin is highly respected by UniSuper’s employees, members and university employers as well as by so many people in the superannuation sector. He has consistently “walked the talk” when it comes to putting Members’ interests first. His contribution to both to the superannuation sector and to UniSuper’s success was appropriately recognised by the Fund Executives’ Association last November, when he was named FEAL Fund Executive of the Year 2020.”

For his part, Kevin O’Sullivan said: “I have enjoyed incredibly my time at UniSuper. It’s been a real honour to lead this wonderful organisation and I’m very proud of the many successes achieved over that period, none more so than the way UniSuper navigated the COVID-19 environment in 2020.

“However, after almost 40 years in the work force and a very intense last 8 years, I’m looking forward to stepping back and adding more flexibility to my life, including spending more time with my wife.”

UniSuper has appointed global executive search firm, Egon Zehnder, to assist with the appointment of a successor to Mr O’Sullivan. Mr O’Sullivan will stay on until a successor commences.

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Martin succeeds Wai-Kwong Seck who, after eight years in the role has decided to pursue other opportunities, closer to his hometown of Singapore.

Martin, a 25-year State Street veteran, has deep knowledge of the firm’s clients and strategy having held several leadership roles across the firm and in multiple locations in the region. He will continue to be based in Hong Kong and report to Andrew Erickson, head of Global Services worldwide.

“Ian has led the majority of State Street’s businesses in the region throughout his career including investment servicing, trading and research within Global Markets, and our data and analytics businesses,” said Erickson.

“With his knowledge and experience across our businesses, I am very confident that Ian will build further on our business growth in Asia-Pacific by delivering high quality solutions and services.”

“I am excited to lead State Street in the region at this time,” said Martin.

I look forward to partnering with our clients to deliver integrated solutions for their business and investment needs, which will include the development of the industry’s first-ever global platform connecting the front, middle and back office.”

State Street has operated in the Asia-Pacific region for more than 40 years. With offices in countries including Australia, Japan, mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei, State Street provides investment servicing, investment management, investment research and data and analytics to its clients spanning asset owners, asset managers, sovereign wealth funds and alternative investors.

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Ian Martin

Fixed income innovator XTB today announced the expansion of its pure fixed income separately managed account (SMA) solution onto Macquarie Wrap (IDPS). The ‘ACBC Fixed Income No. 1 Model Portfolio’ was first available to financial advisers in February using Praemium SMA and SuperSMA platforms.

Today’s expansion to Macquarie Wrap enables more independent financial advisers to access the portfolio that invests solely in individual investment-grade senior corporate bonds through XTBs.

The ACBC Fixed Income No. 1 Model Portfolio was designed by Ian Martin, XTB Chief Investment Officer. Ian said making the SMA Model Portfolio available on Macquarie Wrap was a sign of continued support for individual fixed income model portfolios across numerous distribution channels.

“I developed the model portfolio in direct response to demand from advisers and will continue to work closely with adviser groups to make it more broadly available. I believe the demand for fixed income solutions is growing, in particular for portfolios that derive their returns from individual senior corporate bonds.”

Since launching in 2015, the firm has unveiled a number of new solutions to make fixed income more accessible, including white-labelled XTB model portfolios for adviser networks.

Ian Martin commented, “Our aim is to provide transparent and easy-to-access fixed-income solutions for both financial advisers and individual investors.We are proud to be driving fixed income innovation that helps Australian investors achieve more balanced investment portfolios. We look forward to announcing additional new SMA model portfolios in the coming months.”

The launch of the SMA Model Portfolio onto Macquarie Wrap coincides with the expansion of the suite of XTBs on ASX. Three more fixed-rate XTBs are today available over senior corporate bonds from Dexus, Telstra and Transurban. This brings the total number of XTBs on ASX to 50.

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The announcement follows a period of strong growth for XTB, which saw it double its funds under management in the past six months, reaching $200m.

In his new role, Mr Martin will work closely with dealer groups, platforms, asset consultants and research houses, with a focus on delivering customised fixed income solutions.

Mr Martin is also an Executive Director and co-founder of the Australian Corporate Bond Company (ACBC), which launched XTBs to market in 2015.

Mr Martin has over 30 years’ experience in fixed income markets globally. His previous roles include Head of Rates, Australia and New Zealand for Deutsche Bank and Head of Trading Fixed Income for General Re Financial Products. He was a member of the Australian Financial Markets Association (AFMA) Market Governance Committee, a board member of Yieldbroker and a member of Deutsche Bank’s Global Rates Executive Committee.

Commenting on the appointment, Richard Murphy, XTB co-founder and CEO said the new role reflected the ongoing evolution of the business and growing demand for customised fixed income solutions.

“Ian’s appointment to CIO is a pivotal milestone for the business. He has deep expertise in fixed income markets, home and abroad, and a proven track record of developing fixed income solutions in the institutional market. This will enable us to respond to the growing market demand for tailored fixed income model portfolios and Separately Managed Account (SMA) solutions,” Mr Murphy said.

“Incorporating both qualitative and quantitative techniques, Ian has already successfully designed a range of fixed income model portfolios. His portfolios seek to optimise defined-outcomes for end-clients and are resonating strongly across the market.”

Mr Martin said he was “passionate about fixed income innovation and ensuring all Australian investors have access to the right fixed income opportunities.”

“Advisers and their clients continue to recognise the importance of fixed income in a well-balanced portfolio and I am looking forward to continuing to innovate the way in which they can access this important asset class.”

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Chris Cuffe

The UniSuper Board has announced the retirement of Chairman Chris Cuffe at the end of his term, effective 30 June 2017.  He has served as a Director of the $60 billion profit-for-member superannuation fund for over 10 years, with the last 6 years as Chairman.

The Board has appointed Ian Martin, who is currently a UniSuper director, as Chris’ successor.

“Chris has guided the Board through a transformative time within the business and we have benefitted enormously from his wealth of experience, insight and leadership. There has been extensive change within our fund and the broader industry over the last decade and we are in a much stronger position today due to Chris’ guidance and oversight,” said Kevin O’Sullivan, UniSuper’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

“My time at UniSuper has been dynamic and very fulfilling, and I wish the Board and executive team continued success in the future. I know that under Ian’s and Kevin’s leadership, the fund will continue to deliver strong performance, excellent service and ultimately better retirement outcomes for its members,” said Chris.

Chris will remain on the UniSuper Investment Committee as a non-director member.

Ian Martin joined the UniSuper Board as an Independent Director in April 2013. He was formerly CEO of BT Financial Group and Global Head of Investment Management of Bankers Trust Corporation, and is Chairman of Argo Investments Limited, Argo Global Listed Infrastructure Limited, and Vice Chairman, Asia Pacific of Berkshire Capital. He is also Chairman of the Wayside Chapel Foundation.

“I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to Chair the UniSuper Board and am honoured to be appointed to the role. I wish Chris continued success and extend my appreciation on behalf of the Board for his support and guidance during his term,” said Ian.

The Board also announced the appointment of new Independent Director, Mark Armour, effective 1 July. Mark brings with him a wealth of relevant experience.  His appointment follows a distinguished executive career in funds management and financial services, both globally and in Australia, including as head of the European business of Invesco, CEO of Invesco Australia and CEO of Funds Management at AXA Australia.

“We welcome Mark to the Board and have no doubt he will bring a valuable global perspective to our discussions. Given Mark’s extensive experience and high regard within the industry, the Board unanimously supported his appointment as a Director and looks forward to the different perspectives he will bring to the Board,” said Chris.

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