ARIA appoints deputy chief executive officer
ARIA's chairman, Susan Doyle, and chief executive officer, Steve Gibbs, today announced the appointment of Paul Watson as deputy chief executive officer of the $17 billion super fund for Australian Government employees.
Watson's extensive experience in the superannuation and related financial services industry includes past roles in several Australian Government agencies (including the Department of Finance and Administration, the Australian Taxation Office and Comsuper) which saw him contribute to the development of public retirement income policy.
For the past ten and a half years, Watson has worked for Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund (MTAA Super), most recently as its deputy executive director responsible for the general management of business requirements such as strategic planning, product development and customer services. He was also an active contributor to MTAA Super's innovative investment strategy.
In 2006, Watson won Executive of the Year, awarded by the Fund Executives Association (FEAL) in recognition of his contribution to the education of super members and the industry as a whole.
He participates in a number of industry bodies, including the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia ACT Committee, the Industry Funds Forum and its Mental Health Foundation, and the Industry Funds Network Strategic Committee.
In making the announcement, Steve Gibbs said: "This new role is part of our ongoing modernisation of the funds to ensure superannuation arrangements for Australian Government employees and employers are sustainable and continue to meet our customers' needs.
"In this new role, Paul will provide commercial and strategic guidance for the development of the business, its stakeholder relationships and marketing communications programs to provide members with the products, services and education they need to make the most of their financial future."
Watson will commence with ARIA on 16 July 2007.
11 May 2006
