Mr Burke was previously the Global Head of Fidante Partners. He is a proven growth leader, with broad global experience through his time at Mercer, AllianceBernstein, Deutsche Bank, and more recently in establishing Challenger Investment Solutions before being appointed to his role at Fidante.

“We are delighted to welcome John as our new CEO,” said Bennelong’s chairman, Michael Dwyer. “He brings leadership strength in his track record as well as extensive knowledge of the funds management sector and will be a pivotal part of the next stage of our growth ambitions.”

Mr Burke said he was attracted to the role given Bennelong’s excellent reputation for bringing quality investment products to its customers.

“Bennelong is a high-calibre organisation, and I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences and perspectives with the board and the Bennelong team,” he said. “It will be a privilege to lead a company that is already known for the quality of its people and products, and I can’t wait to get started to help bring the best possible outcomes to Bennelong’s clients.”

Mr Burke will join Bennelong in the first half of 2023, allowing for a comprehensive handover and a smooth transition period as the business continues to work towards its 2025 strategic objectives.

Mr Bingham and the Bennelong board have spent the last two years actively planning his succession.

“I feel it’s time to pass the reins to the next leader,” said Mr Bingham. “I’ve enjoyed my time at Bennelong immensely and am very proud of everything we’ve achieved as a team.”

Mr Dwyer said, “On behalf of the board and the broader business, I’d like to thank Craig for his important contribution to Bennelong over the years. Since joining in 2014, he has facilitated significant growth of the business, establishing Bennelong’s offshore arm BennBridge in the UK and US, partnering with a number of boutique funds management teams across the globe, and growing assets under management and advice from around $5 billion in 2014 to more than $15 billion at 31 December 2022. We wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.

“Bennelong has a strong culture centred around its people, which will continue to be a cornerstone of our future growth and success. Our focus remains unwavering: to grow our boutique businesses and deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients,” Mr Dwyer said.

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Michael Dwyer

Michael Dwyer AM has been appointed as chair of the boards of Bennelong Funds Management Group Pty Ltd (BFMG) and its subsidiary Bennelong Funds Management Ltd (BFML), effective from 1 July 2021. He joined the Bennelong boards as non-executive director in December 2020.

Mr Dwyer succeeds Stephen Rix, who will remain on the boards as a non-executive director. Mr Rix became chair in 2016 and has been a member of the BFMG Board and the BFML Board since 2010.

Craig Bingham, chief executive officer of Bennelong Funds Management, said Mr Dwyer’s industry knowledge and expertise will be invaluable for the business as it continues its growth strategy, both in Australia and overseas through its UK and US-based arm, BennBridge.

“Michael’s three decades in the superannuation industry, across a variety of senior roles and responsibilities, enables him to provide valuable insights to our executive team as the industry continues to evolve and mature,” he said.

Mr Bingham also paid tribute to Mr Rix, who has overseen a period of rapid growth and expansion for the business.

“The past few years have seen significant growth for Bennelong both in Australia and overseas, and Stephen’s experience in a range of investment banking, private equity and infrastructure operations has been instrumental during this time.

“We’re grateful we will continue to benefit from his experience as a non-executive director.”

Mr Dwyer has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, including as chief executive officer of First State Super between 2004 and 2018. He was made a member of the Order of Australia in 2011 for service to the superannuation industry through leadership and executive roles, and to the community as a director of Australia for UNHCR (the private sector partner of the UN Refugee Agency). Two industry scholarships have been established in his name – the Aware Super Michael Dwyer Scholarship for Emerging Leaders and the FEAL Michael Dwyer Leadership Scholarship.

Mr Dwyer holds a number of other directorships, including Chair of NSW TCorp, Director of ASX-listed Iress, and Chair of Australia for UNHCR. He is a member of the ASIC Consultative Panel and a member of the Global Advisory Council for Tobacco Free Portfolios, as well as a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and a fellow of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA).

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Michael Dwyer

Industry veteran Michael Dwyer AM has been appointed as a non-executive director to the boards of Bennelong Funds Management Ltd and its parent company Bennelong Funds Management Group Pty Ltd, effective from 1 December.

Mr Dwyer has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, including as chief executive officer of First State Super between 2004 and 2018. He was made a member of the Order of Australia in 2011 for service to the superannuation industry through leadership and executive roles, and to the community as a director of Australia for UNHCR (the private sector partner of the UN Refugee Agency). Two industry scholarships have been established in his name – the Aware Super Michael Dwyer Scholarship for Emerging Leaders and the FEAL Michael Dwyer Leadership Scholarship.

Craig Bingham, chief executive officer of Bennelong Funds Management, said Mr Dwyer’s extensive industry experience and understanding are highly valued by the boards.

“Michael brings a broad skillset to Bennelong, built over three decades in the superannuation industry across a variety of senior roles and responsibilities.

“His proven success in driving growth will augment the existing experience and knowledge of our board as we position the business for the next phase in its growth – both here in Australia and overseas through our UK and US-based arm, BennBridge.

“Michael is well-known and respected in the industry for the value he places on people, and his work in mentoring and supporting others. This aligns perfectly with our own values and culture, and I am delighted he will be joining us,” Mr Bingham said.

Mr Dwyer holds a number of other directorships, including Chair of NSW TCorp, Director of ASX-listed Iress, and Chair of Australia for UNHCR. He is a member of the ASIC Consultative Panel and a member of the Global Advisory Council Tobacco Free Portfolios, as well as a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and a fellow of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA).

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Ms Vonhoff has over 20 years’ experience relevant to Iress in retail banking, financial markets and investment. She is currently a director of Credit Corp Group (CCP.ASX) and Cuscal Limited. Past directorships include AMP Bank, Ruralco Holdings Limited (RHL.ASX), Tennis NSW and the Westpac Staff Superannuation Fund. For 13 years Ms Vonhoff held senior executive roles at Westpac and AMP across retail banking, finance, risk, technology & operations, and agribusiness.

Mr Dwyer brings over 35 years’ experience in superannuation and investment, including 14 years as CEO of First State Super. He is currently a director of TCorp (New South Wales Treasury Corporation), WSC Group, the Global Advisory Council of Tobacco Free Portfolios and the Sydney Financial Forum. Since 1998 he has also been a director and subsequently chair of Australia for UNHCR, the private sector partner of the UN Refugee Agency. He is a life member of ASFA and the Fund Executives Association.

Iress chair Tony D’Aloisio said: “Trudy and Michael are hugely accomplished professionals and their experience in retail banking, financial markets, investments, operations and superannuation, and more broadly, will be invaluable as Iress continues to grow.

“Both Trudy and Michael have impressive experience in executive and governance roles and we look forward to them joining the Iress board of directors.”

Ms Vonhoff and Mr Dwyer’s appointments are effective from 1 February 2020. Their appointments are part of the Board renewal and succession process announced by the chair at the Annual General Meeting in May 2019.

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John Livanas

In a landmark event, First State Super has successfully reached a binding settlement with State Super to acquire StatePlus. When the transaction completes in June 2016, First State Super will create the largest member-owned financial planning network in Australia.

First State Super CEO Michael Dwyer AM explains: ‘We’re investing to provide our members with an even stronger financial future. As a result of the acquisition we plan to bring together First State Super Financial Services and StatePlus. Together we will create a financial advice service that builds on the strengths of both organisations. We will leverage our increased scale to maximise retirement income for our members.’

StatePlus, formerly State Super Financial Services, was established in 1990 by the SAS Trustee Corporation (STC) to provide financial advice to public sector employees and their families.

STC Chief Executive John Livanas commented: ‘StatePlus is an excellent organisation that has achieved strong growth under STC’s ownership. It has provided our retiring members with tremendous support and guidance. The STC board believes StatePlus is well placed to build on its successes under the new ownership of First State Super. STC looks forward to a strong, ongoing relationship with StatePlus as it continues to provide financial advice to STC scheme members under its new owners.’

Michael Monaghan Managing Director of StatePlus, said: ‘StatePlus has client-centric values, and industry-leading client satisfaction. There is a clear alignment of values between our two organisations, and growth opportunities. StatePlus is well positioned for growth having successfully executed on a strategy to transform the business and become digitally enabled while continuing to deliver exceptional service. As we undergo this ownership transition we remain focused on the clients who rely on us, delivering high quality advice and service, as usual.’

The combination of First State Super Financial Services and StatePlus will create one of the country’s leading financial advice businesses with over $21 billion in retirement funds and over 200 financial planners located in metropolitan and regional centres throughout Australia.

Michael Dwyer continued: ‘First State Super and StatePlus are highly compatible organisations. We share a common set of values that stem from our shared heritage of delivering retirement solutions to public sector employees. The values of both our organisations place our members and clients at the heart of everything we do.’

‘For now it is business as usual for both operations. First State Super Financial Services and StatePlus will continue to operate as separate and distinct businesses while we develop our plans for the future. We want to fully understand the unique opportunities that this acquisition presents for both organisations and the members and clients we serve.’

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