CareSuper launches search for next CEO as Julie Lander steps down
The Board of CareSuper, one of Australia’s leading award-winning industry funds, has announced its intention to recruit its next CEO in the wake of the news that long-standing CEO Julie Lander will step down after more than 21 years with the Fund.
The Board acknowledged Julie’s gracious offer to remain in the role while the Fund undertakes a search for a new CEO, which is expected to be finalised by the end of 2022.
Julie Lander joined CareSuper as a General Manager in 2001, when the Trustee Office at the time was comprised of some 20 people with $1 billion in funds under management (FUM).
Promoted to CEO in 2002, under Julie’s leadership the Fund has grown to a substantial entity of almost 200 staff and $20 billion in FUM with approximately 220,000 members which includes members acquired from a 2012 merger with Asset Super.
Throughout Julie’s tenure, CareSuper has been consistently recognised for its performance, receiving top ratings from major research houses and awards including SuperRatings MySuper of the Year 2018, SuperRatings Choice Super of the Year 2016 and 2017, Selecting Super’s MySuper product of the Year 2016, Money Magazine’s Best Super Fund Manager 2017, and Lonsec’s Investment Option 2021. In addition, the Fund has received numerous accolades for integrity, long-term performance, smooth ride, and customer service.
CareSuper Chair, Linda Scott, paid tribute to Julie’s leadership and contribution to the Fund.
“The Board is excited to begin the process of recruitment for the next leader of our award-winning fund. We are committed to ensuring our strong culture is retained as we grow to be the leading challenger fund to Australia’s mega funds, and continue to outperform for our members for the future.”
“Julie has played a significant role in Australia’s superannuation industry, serving our members and the broader superannuation movement with distinction over many years,” she said.
“Julie has lived CareSuper’s values, building a strong, thriving culture and her leadership has driven the Fund’s growth, quality member experience and strong investment returns.”
“Julie leaves her successor with a substantial foundation to build on, having recently led an organisational review, reinvigorating CareSuper’s Executive Leadership Team with key appointments and launching a Five-year Strategy to underpin the Fund’s next phase of growth.
“We’re grateful that Julie will continue to serve as our CEO during the transition to a new leader, ensuring continuity and stability for our wonderful staff and valued members,” Linda concluded.
Julie commented on her decision to stand down as CareSuper CEO.
“It has been an honour to lead an amazing team of truly professional and dedicated people working together for a Fund, and industry, with a strong purpose – to help Australians get ahead,” she said.
“Through the dedication of our Board and staff, and with the assistance of our service providers, CareSuper punches well above its weight. I am proud CareSuper is recognised as a leading industry Fund, not only for our investment outcomes and accomplishments, but also for our commitment to product innovation and service delivery.
“I have always reminded our staff that it is a privilege as well as a responsibility to manage other people’s retirement savings. Having served the Fund and its members for over two decades, I believe it is the right time to step aside and hand over to a new leader to take CareSuper forward.”
About Julie Lander
Julie started her professional career in human resources and combined her management responsibilities with being Fund Secretary for some of her employers’ corporate funds. Having worked for a multi-industry employer association that co-established and supported several industry super funds, Julie served as an alternate director with the then Australian Retirement Fund.
Julie joined CareSuper as a General Manager in 2001 and was promoted to Chief Executive Officer in 2002.
Throughout her time as CareSuper CEO, Julie has also made a significant contribution to the superannuation sector, having served on the Boards of the Fund Executives Association (FEAL) and Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) where she has also been a long-term member of the Policy Committee. Julie was the Convenor of Industry Funds Forum and oversaw its merger into AIST and also represented profit to member superfunds as a Director of the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals.
Julie was recently awarded the FEAL Fund Executive of the Year Award 2022, having been recognised for her leadership during the pandemic and recent period of regulatory change, her commitment to supporting and building the industry’s reputation and her ability to transform and grow CareSuper to become one of the most respected funds in the industry.
Media contact
Chris Newman
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