Challenger recruits Aware Super’s Damian Graham

Challenger Limited has recruited Aware Super’s long-serving Chief Investment Officer, Damian Graham, to the newly created role of Group Chief Investment Officer, effective from January, next year.

The appointment will see Graham lead the integration of investment teams from Challenger Life and Funds Management which the company says will bring closer alignment of investment capabilities and operating entities.

It said he would bring together all investment activity under unified leadership

Confirming the appointment, Challenger Group managing director and chief executive, Nick Hamilton referred to Graham’s experience and knowledge in leading investment management strategies, particularly in the superannuation and retirement industry.

“His skills and investment leadership will be invaluable as we bring together our talented investment teams at Challenger, driving our continued focus on investment excellence and delivering on our purpose to provide customers with financial security for a better retirement,” he said.

Prior to Aware Super, Graham was Chief Investment Officer at StatePlus for four years. He has also led private portfolio management at Macquarie Group and leadership positions at J.P. Morgan and Norwich Investment Management.

Aware Super announced in May that it was recruiting for a successor to Graham who, at that time, was transitioning to the fund’s London office to serve as Head of International.