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Highlights
- Aware Super’s Damian Graham to lead international operations
- CIO succession plan in motion after 12 years of leadership
- £5.25 billion investment roadmap set for UK and Europe
In a strategic shift underscoring its global ambitions, Aware Super has announced a leadership transition that will see its long-serving Chief Investment Officer, Damian Graham, step into a newly created role as Head of International. The move is part of the fund’s broader effort to expand its investment presence beyond Australia and deepen its footprint in international markets, particularly across the UK and continental Europe.
After over a decade of stewardship as CIO, Graham will transition to his new London-based role by the end of this year. The decision comes after a year of succession planning discussions, during which Graham expressed his intention to eventually retire. To ensure continuity and preserve the fund's investment philosophy, he will remain in his current position until the international move is formalised.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Aware Super, which launched its London office in 2023. Since then, the fund has already committed over £2 billion (A$4.15 billion) as part of a five-year investment strategy aiming to deploy £5.25 billion in the UK and continental Europe. This proactive expansion reflects the fund's commitment to diversify beyond domestic markets and reinforce its position among global institutional investors.
Chief Executive Officer Deanne Stewart welcomed the transition, stating that Graham’s continued leadership in the new role would be instrumental in executing the fund’s international strategy. His extensive experience is expected to drive performance and enhance global partnerships, all while maintaining the fund’s core values and culture.
The search for a new CIO is currently underway, with a global talent pool being considered. This approach underscores Aware Super’s intention to align leadership with its increasingly international outlook.
Aware Super’s global push also comes at a time when investors are keeping a close watch on broader market indices like the S&P/ASX 200, which serve as benchmarks for Australian equities. As Australian institutions extend their reach overseas, many market participants are also exploring ASX dividend stocks to balance growth with income, especially in uncertain macroeconomic conditions.
With this transition, Aware Super continues to evolve from a prominent domestic player into a competitive global asset owner. The London hub is set to become a crucial outpost for sourcing international opportunities, while its leadership ensures strategic alignment across continents.
