Ian Pendleton, who has been a cornerstone of Aware Super’s executive team, will officially vacate his position on 29 June 2026. His departure marks the end of a distinguished career at the fund, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's legal and governance framework. Aware Super's CEO, Deanne Stewart, expressed her gratitude for Pendleton’s contributions, saying, “We give our heartfelt thanks to Ian for his unwavering dedication, member focus and the genuine care he has shown throughout his time at Aware Super.”

Stewart further highlighted the enduring impact of Pendleton’s leadership, noting, “Ian’s leadership has had a lasting impact on the professional organisation he helped build – one grounded in integrity, commitment and collaboration.” His departure opens the door for a significant organisational restructuring aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and governance.

In a strategic move, Aware Super is combining its Risk, Compliance & Sustainability team with the Legal & Company Secretariat, forming a new division under the leadership of Jane Couchman. Couchman, who currently heads the Risk, Compliance & Sustainability team, will assume the role of Chief Risk Officer & Group Executive, Governance. This newly created division is expected to streamline operations and foster cohesive decision-making across the organisation.

Deanne Stewart praised Couchman’s appointment, stating, “I congratulate Jane on her appointment to this crucial role. Joining our risk and legal divisions is designed to enhance operational alignment, further enable cohesive decision-making and positions us to continue to deliver effectively on our operational and strategic priorities.” Stewart emphasised the importance of robust governance in the current landscape, adding, “In an environment of evolving risks and opportunities, strong governance and prudent risk management are critical to fulfilling our obligations as the stewards of our 1.3 million members’ retirement savings.”

The restructuring has also paved the way for several internal promotions. Greg Gokavi-Whaley has been appointed to the newly created position of Deputy Chief Risk Officer, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to strengthening its risk management capabilities. Meanwhile, Belinda Dent will step into an expanded role as General Counsel, and Anthia Lepouris will take on an expanded Company Secretary role, both reporting directly to Couchman.

These changes are part of Aware Super's broader strategy to adapt to the dynamic financial landscape and continue delivering on its mission of safeguarding the retirement savings of its members. The integration of the Risk and Legal divisions is seen as a proactive step towards enhancing the fund’s ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and emerging risks.

As Pendleton prepares to conclude his executive duties, his legacy at Aware Super is characterised by a steadfast commitment to ethical governance and member-centric service. His departure, while marking the end of an era, also signifies a new beginning for the fund as it embraces a more integrated approach to governance and risk management.

Aware Super, one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, manages the retirement savings of over 1.3 million members. The organisation's focus on strong governance and risk management is central to its mission of delivering secure and sustainable financial futures for its members.

The leadership changes at Aware Super highlight the fund’s proactive approach to organisational development and its readiness to adapt to the evolving demands of the financial sector. With a renewed focus on integrated governance and risk management, Aware Super is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and member-focused service delivery.