After 13 years as our Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Wade has departed the Fund and we are progressing towards a change in CEO for 2021.

Michelle contributed greatly to the Fund and was central to AvSuper’s continual expansion of services to our members. She was instrumental in steering us through the challenges of the GFC, COVID-19 and the significant regulatory change that occurred over the past decade. Michelle will be missed by everyone involved with AvSuper – members, the staff, the Board and the companies that partner with us to deliver outstanding customer service.

Following a rigorous recruitment process, the Board is pleased to announce Michael Sykes as AvSuper’s new Chief Executive Officer. Currently Deputy CEO with MTAA Super, Michael will start with AvSuper in April 2021.

The Board and staff are looking forward to Michael joining the team and continuing our living ethos of “Members’ first”. Michael is CPA and CIMA qualified. He has over 25 years’ experience in financial services, across banking, insurance, and superannuation, so is well positioned to lead AvSuper into the future.

In the meantime, Nick Smith, AvSuper’s Executive Manager, is our Acting Chief Executive Officer. We have great confidence in Nick leading the Fund for this transition period.

We wish Michelle well for her future adventures, whilst congratulating Michael on his new role and thanking Nick for his assistance in managing this change.

Ben Firkins
Chair, AvSuper Trustee