Cbus Super appoints three new leaders

Cbus Super, Australia’s leading building and construction industry super fund, has appointed three new executives to its leadership team as the $50 billion fund continues to build its foundations for future growth.

Long-time Cbus risk chief Wade Martin has become the fund’s first Chief Risk Officer, former Equip Super CEO Nicholas Vamvakas will take the reigns as Group Executive for Strategy and Growth, while Marianne Walker will join Cbus as Group Executive Member and Employer Experience from Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services where she has been Director of Customer Support.

Cbus Super CEO David Atkin said he was delighted to see the three new leaders appointed after an extensive nationwide search.

“In Wade, Nicholas and Marianne we have three high calibre leaders with proven track records of delivery,” Mr Atkin said.

“I know that they each bring with them a fierce determination and focus on outcomes for members.”

Mr Atkin said Mr Martin’s risk leadership had seen the fund maintain high levels of trust with members and regulators alike.

“I am very pleased to see Wade take on the role of Chief Risk Officer, which is an important new appointment for our fund,” he said.

“The Hayne Royal Commission made it very clear that an organisations risk culture is either a competitive advantage in the marketplace or a material risk to member outcomes.

“Over the last six years Wade has ensured that risk is at the centre of everything that we do. Wade has demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing second line risk and compliance frameworks, including a recognised leading practice in risk culture and governance.”

Mr Atkin said Mr Vamvakas wealth of experience will help steer Cbus through an ever-changing competitive marketplace.

“I have known Nicholas for many years and his commitment to delivering outcomes for members has always been striking,” he said.

“Nicholas has runs on the board through his time at Equip, doubling the size of the fund and leading some of Australia’s largest corporate and funds transfer tenders. 

“As super funds approach a new era of scale, Nicholas’ insight will be invaluable to the growth and development of our fund.”

Mr Atkin said Ms Walker’s experience across the public and private sectors would see the fund thrive as Cbus transitions more customer channels and tools in-house.

“Marianne has immense experience with complex customer experience systems,” Mr Atkin said.

“As Cbus continues our significant technological transformation, including the build of a new in-house member call centre, her vision and talents will ensure our members remain at the heart of everything that we do.”

Mr Martin and Mr Vamvakas commenced their new roles on the 26 August 2019. Ms Walker will take up her position in late October 2019.

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