Vanguard veteran returns to super trustee board

Patrick Buncsi

23 July 2024

Vanguard Super, the investment group’s dedicated superannuation arm, has announced that veteran Robin Bowerman will return to the firm as a non-executive director, joining Vanguard’s Super Trustee Board (VSPL).

Bowerman, a former Fairfax journalist, served nearly two decades at Vanguard Australia between 2003 and 2023, involved in the launch of some of its most important products to market.

This included the launch of Vanguard Super in 2022 and earlier the firm’s online investment platform Personal Investor in 2020. Vanguard also recognised Bowerman’s instrumental role in bringing its ETF offering to market in Australia in 2009.

Most recently, Bowerman was head of corporate affairs, overseeing the firm’s retail, strategy, corporate affairs and advocacy activities.

“We are delighted that Robin has joined the Trustee Board as a Vanguard-Nominated Director,” said VSPL chair Peggy O’Neal.

“Robin had a distinguished career at Vanguard Investments Australia and made significant contributions in the launches of Vanguard Personal Investor and Vanguard Super. His passion and dedication to the financial well-being of Australian investors are well placed in putting the retirement needs of our members front and centre.”

Alongside his executive leadership roles at Vanguard, Bowerman was also a board member of the SMSF Association and among the founders of the Financial Services Council ETF working group.

The appointment of Bowerman also coincides with the departure of Colin Kelton from the VSPL Trustee Board. Kelton also served as Vanguard’s global chief marketing officer and chief communications officer.

O’Neal also paid tribute to the outgoing Kelton.

“We’re grateful for the leadership and experience Colin has brought to the Trustee Board over the past three years, leveraging his experience in the Australian market as Managing Director for Vanguard Investments Australia from 2015 to 2018, and his over 30 years’ experience in various roles at Vanguard.”