Deanne Stewart to be First State Super’s CEO
Current MetLife Australia chief executive Deanne Stewart will succeed Michael Dwyer as CEO of First State Super, taking up the role when he retires in November.
Stewart would bring a wealth of industry experience to the role, having held senior leadership positions with BT Financial Group in Sydney and Merrill Lynch Investment Management in New York.
At MetLife, she was credited with helping create a purpose-driven culture, delivering new business channels, and developing new digital capability.
First State Super chair, Neil Cochrane, welcomed what Stewart’s experience would bring to the fund.
“The board and I felt that Deanne’s extensive experience and achievements in superannuation, investment management, insurance, strategy and marketing made her an excellent candidate to become our next CEO,” he said.
“Deanne’s management career has given her a close understanding of the investment management process … As CEO, she will be ultimately responsible for ensuring that we continue to deliver sustainable long-term investment returns to [our] members and clients.”
Cochrane said that Stewart’s prioritisation of members would be especially valued by First State Super.
“Our members are at the heart of First State Super’s culture. The priority that Deanne places on relationships with people – be it our members, our stakeholders or our employees – was evident in each of the conversations the board and I had with her.
“Deanne will be a strong champion of the core values that drive our success.”
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