Highlights
- New deputy CIO appointment
- Strategic internal investment expansion
- Vision for sustainable growth
Cbus Super has recently announced the internal appointment of Leigh Gavin as its deputy chief investment officer. This strategic move comes as the fund looks to enhance its internal investment capabilities and drive forward a comprehensive five-year growth strategy. Managing assets valued at approximately $100 billion, the fund is positioned to leverage its scale and expertise for the benefit of its members.
Leigh Gavin’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the fund’s investment model. Having joined the leadership team in 2023, Gavin brings a wealth of experience from his previous senior roles at AustralianSuper, one of the nation’s largest superannuation funds. His career trajectory and deep understanding of the investment landscape are expected to play a pivotal role as the organization moves to incorporate more in-house strategies.
According to Brett Chatfield, the chief investment officer at Cbus Super, the fund forecasts that nearly 50% of its portfolio will transition to internal management within the next three years. This development underscores a strategic shift aimed at reinforcing internal expertise and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. The new deputy CIO will be instrumental in identifying and integrating innovative strategies that align with the broader vision of internal growth.
Gavin highlighted the timing of this leadership change as a “Goldilocks period” for the fund. He explained that the current scale of operations is ideal—small enough to swiftly capitalize on a diverse range of opportunities, yet large enough to achieve meaningful economies of scale. This balanced positioning is expected to contribute significantly to the long-term sustainability of the fund’s investment model.
The internal appointment not only reflects the confidence that Cbus Super has in its existing leadership team but also signals a commitment to evolve and refine its strategic approach. With the new deputy CIO on board, the fund is set to further diversify its in-house strategies and reinforce its reputation as an industry leader. The forthcoming period promises to be one of dynamic growth and transformation, with a clear focus on enhancing internal capabilities while navigating the complexities of the broader financial landscape.
This leadership change is viewed as a forward-thinking step that aligns with the fund’s ambition to optimize performance and better serve its members. As the organization embarks on this next phase, stakeholders can anticipate a period of significant development and strategic evolution.