AustralianSuper appoints new chief officer

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist, Financial Newswire

7 July 2023

Paula Benson has joined the senior executive team at AustralianSuper in the role of Chief Officer, Strategy & Corporate Affairs.

The former Global Head of Marketing, Brand and Communications at IFM Investors brings experience in senior corporate affairs and previous roles across funds management, banking, resources, healthcare and infrastructure.

Her previous roles include Non-Executive Director of the Victorian Funds Management Corporation and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, among others, as well as Executive General Manager, Corporate Affairs at National Australia Bank.

“Working with purpose and delivering commercial outcomes are some of my key drivers and I am delighted to join AustralianSuper at this important moment and to play a key role in supporting global growth ambitions in order to deliver outcomes for members,” Benson said.

“I have been incredibly impressed by the culture of members first at the Fund and it will be a privilege to join the team and deliver on our purpose of helping members achieve their best financial position in retirement.

“There are few greater honours than to play a role in ensuring hard working Australians have dignity in retirement.”

AustralianSuper’s chief executive, Paul Schroder, said Benson will excel at continuing the fund’s pathway to global growth as it looks to grow to $500 billion in the next five years.

“As a very experienced corporate executive, Paula has impressed us with her strategic and innovative approach to corporate and public affairs, and her commitment to delivering positive commercial and societal outcomes for members,” he said.

“Paula’s experience will be important in driving forward our global strategic positioning, advocacy and engagement as we deliver on our purpose of helping members achieve their best possible financial position in retirement.”