Case Study: General Manager of Investments, Superannuation – Prime Super
CLIENT
Prime Super is a multi-industry super fund open to everyone, with a strong focus on the recruitment, health and aged care, and education sectors. It manages over $7.5 billion in assets for more than 146,000 members.
CHALLENGE
Due to the appointment of a new CEO and a subsequent strategic review of its business operating model, Prime Super engaged Kaizen Recruitment to run a parallel process to recruit an interim General Manager of Investment while concurrently conducting an executive search process across the Australian market.
What was unique about this appointment was the fact the Prime Super had not previously had a leader of their investment function as it was fully outsourced to their asset consultant.
This GM of Investments position is critical because it comes at a time when Prime Super is strategically repositioning their investment portfolio to outperform industries peers and to use their smaller fund size as a competitive advantage.
The ideal candidate needed to have extensive investment management experience either from a fund’s management or superannuation investment background. They will oversee the entire investment portfolio, managing relationships with the asset consultant, custodian, and investment managers while proactively engaging with and presenting to Prime Super’s investment committee.
SOLUTION
Leveraging our expertise as a specialist executive search firm, Kaizen swiftly identified an interim GM of Investments from our established network, successfully placing Michael McQueen in the role on a contract basis.
We concurrently ran a comprehensive and targeted market search, mapping the entire domestic funds management and superannuation sector while proactively and discreetly engaging with senior investment professionals.
A curated shortlist of eight highly qualified investment professionals with backgrounds in funds management, superannuation, and asset consulting was prepared – All of which aligned with Prime Super’s key criteria.
Working closely with Prime Super’s executive leadership team, we led a precise and efficient search, assisting with interviews, investment committee presentations, reference checks, and final negotiations to secure the ideal candidate. As part of our research, we also gathered comprehensive market data on salaries and bonus structures to support the offer negotiation process.
Based on his strong performance in an interim capacity, Michael McQueen was offered the full-time position. Michael brings over 20 years of investment experience as the previous CIO of Media Super and Head of Investment Strategy at LUCRF Super.
TESTIMONIALS
ABOUT MATT MCGILTON
With more than 20 years of financial services recruitment experience, Matt offers an unequalled experience level and knowledge of the industry that’s unrivalled. His background in Investment Consulting and Funds Management has meant that Matt is highly sought after for his understanding and commitment to the industry.
Matt is well-known for his unwavering dedication and energy in his work and his commitment to upholding the highest professional standards of excellence. His passion for mentoring others is as strong as his passion for sustainability and the environment. What drives Matt the most is his commitment to going the extra mile for his clients, which he consistently demonstrates day in and day out. Matt has continued to serve the industry by sponsoring, presenting, mentoring, and advising participants in organisations such as FINSIA, CFA, AIST, and RCSA.
Get in Touch
Based in Melbourne and Sydney, Kaizen Recruitment specialises in financial services recruitment across funds management, wealth management, superannuation, investment consulting and insurance. If you’d like to discuss candidate career drivers and the current state of the market within the financial services recruitment landscape, feel free to reach out to us with your details below.
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