Shaun Manuell
AustralianSuper named a new CIO from within its investment team who is set to take on the role effective July 1.
Shaun Manuell has led the fund’s Australian equities team for 13 years, overseeing growth in internally managed equities to A$100 billion ($71.4 billion) from A$1 billion ($714 million).
AustralianSuper CEO Paul Schroder said Manuell was the ideal candidate to lead the fund’s global investment team.
“Following an extensive global search, I am pleased to announce Shaun as our next chief investment officer,” Schroder said in a statement. “Shaun has proven himself as an outstanding investor at scale over the long term and a great leader. Having worked closely with the directors of Australia’s largest companies over many years, Shaun is known for his considered approach to representing the interests of [superannuation fund] members in Australia and globally.”
Under Manuell’s leadership, the fund’s Australian Shares investment option, underpinned by the AustralianSuper’s internally managed Australian equities portfolio, has delivered 2.6% of outperformance annually since 2013, equating to $8 billion of additional value when compared with ASX benchmarks, Schroder said.
Prior to joining AustralianSuper, Manuell also held roles with wealth manager JBWere and financial and fiduciary services firm Equity Trustees.
Manuell said he feels humbled and excited to take on the new role.
“As Australia’s largest active investor, we are able to unlock exceptional opportunities for members and the nation,” Manuell said in a statement.
When Manuell moves into the new position, Senior Portfolio Managers Luke Smith and Andrew Smith will jointly lead the fund’s Australian Equities team on an interim basis, pending a permanent hire.
Manuell’s promotion comes after former CIO Mark Delaney left the fund in December 2025 after 25 years.
AustralianSuper managed more than A$410 billion in members’ retirement savings for 3.6 million members as of the end of 2025.
A version of this article originally appeared in our sister publication, Financial Standard, which, like CIO, is owned by ISS STOXX.