Retirement
Aware Super elevates tech leadership with strategic appointment of Richard Exton
Retirement
Aware Super elevates tech leadership with strategic appointment of Richard Exton
Aware Super, one of Australia's largest industry super funds, has announced a pivotal appointment to its executive team, underscoring the growing importance of technology, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector. Richard Exton has been named Group Executive, Chief Technology and Data Officer, effective from 1 November 2025. In his new role, Exton will report directly to Aware Super's Chief Executive Officer, Deanne Stewart, as the company seeks to solidify its leadership in digital innovation and member services.
Aware Super elevates tech leadership with strategic appointment of Richard Exton
Aware Super, one of Australia's largest industry super funds, has announced a pivotal appointment to its executive team, underscoring the growing importance of technology, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector. Richard Exton has been named Group Executive, Chief Technology and Data Officer, effective from 1 November 2025. In his new role, Exton will report directly to Aware Super's Chief Executive Officer, Deanne Stewart, as the company seeks to solidify its leadership in digital innovation and member services.
The decision to elevate technology, data, and AI leadership to the executive level highlights Aware Super's commitment to leveraging these critical areas to enhance member outcomes and drive the fund's strategic priorities leading up to 2030. With a membership base of 1.2 million, Aware Super is focused on delivering superior digital experiences while maintaining robust cybersecurity measures.
"Aware is focused on maintaining our strong reputation as an industry leader in digital by continuing to enhance our personalised member experience and remaining vigilant about our cybersecurity protections," commented Deanne Stewart. The move to integrate technology leadership into the executive team reflects the fund's strategic vision to remain at the forefront of the rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Richard Exton, who has been with Aware Super for eight years, has been a key figure in the fund's transformative initiatives. His contributions include the 2023 insourcing of the fund's administration, which significantly enhanced its digital capabilities, and a platform modernisation effort that streamlined technology infrastructure by a third while boosting member self-service options. These initiatives have not only improved operational efficiency but also enriched the member experience, aligning with Aware Super's mission to deliver better retirement outcomes.
Under Exton's leadership, the 200-strong Technology team is set to further embed AI and digital innovation across the business. This strategic focus aims to provide even more personalised and secure digital experiences for members, ensuring that technology remains a core enabler of Aware Super's competitive advantage. "Richard’s leadership will continue to be instrumental as we accelerate our digital capabilities and ensure technology remains a key enabler of member outcomes and competitive advantage for Aware Super," added Stewart.
The emphasis on technology and data is also reflected in the fund's commitment to diversity within its workforce. Under Exton's guidance, female representation in Aware Super's Technology team has increased to 35%, showcasing the fund's dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace culture. His achievements have been recognised nationally, as he ranked #4 in Australia’s CIO50 Awards and led his team to be named Australia’s Best Technology Team for Culture in 2024.
Exton's extensive experience spans three decades in the global financial services industry, with senior technology roles at prominent institutions such as Macquarie Group, ANZ Bank, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia across the Asia-Pacific markets. His academic credentials include a Masters in Financial Technology from the University of New South Wales and a Graduate Certificate of Commercial Law from Deakin University. Additionally, he has completed executive education at Harvard Business School and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), equipping him with a robust foundation to lead Aware Super's technology strategy.
As Aware Super continues to evolve in a digital-first world, the appointment of Richard Exton as Group Executive, Chief Technology and Data Officer, marks a significant step in its journey. By prioritising technology, data, and AI, the fund is poised to deliver enhanced value to its members, supporting their retirement goals while reinforcing its position as a leader in the financial services sector.
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