ASFA CEO to step down

Pauline Vamos has announced that she is stepping down as CEO of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) after eight and a half years in the role. The ASFA Board has asked Vamos to stay until at least 30 June 2016 and will shortly commence recruitment for her successor.

Commenting on her decision, Vamos said: "I am choosing to leave at a time when the leadership and management team are strong and highly skilled. Our people are ASFA's greatest asset and for a small team, we are able to punch well above our weight. It is this that has allowed us to enjoy the success we have achieved in recent years-particularly in influencing policy, lifting industry standards through our learning programs, delivering our renowned world-class annual conference and engaging with other pension systems globally.

She added: "Whilst this has been a hard decision, it has been made easier knowing that ASFA is in such good shape. I thank the board for their support and look forward to watching the organisation continue to grow in influence and success."

In acknowledging Vamos' contribution to ASFA, chair Dr Michael Easson said: "With passion, drive and energy second to none, Pauline's enormous contribution to public policy debate during her time at ASFA has been outstanding. Drawing on her experience across various areas of financial services, Pauline has been a key advocate for broadening the superannuation discussion to include insurance, investment governance and advice and has been a strong proponent of industry self-regulation."

He added: "The development of good public policy is one thing, but the ability to successfully advocate for the right retirement outcomes for Australians is quite another. The board expresses deep thanks to Pauline for her tireless efforts in this regard over the past eight years."