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3 June, 2026
Cobden original appointed chief investment officer
AUSTRALIANSUPER has announced Cobden’s Shaun Manuell as its next chief investment officer (CIO).
Mr Manuell has led the fund’s successful Australian equities team for 13 years, overseeing growth in internally managed equities from $1 billion to $100 billion for members.
AustralianSuper chief executive Paul Schroder said Mr 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,” he said.
“Shaun has proven himself as an outstanding investor at scale over the long term and a great leader.
“He has a deep commitment to delivering for members who put their trust in us to grow and protect their retirement savings.
“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 members in Australia and globally.
“Shaun is a proven champion for members and a proven champion for Australian companies.”
Mr Schroder said the fund was dedicated to providing value for its members.
“Our Australian Shares investment option is number one over the last decade,” he said.
“This is underpinned by our internally managed Australian Equities portfolio, which has delivered 2.6 per cent per annum outperformance for members since 2013, relative to ASX benchmarks, equating to $8 billion of additional value.”
The fund’s Australian Shares investment option is ranked number one in SuperRatings over one, three, five, seven, 10 and 15 years to April 30, 2026.
Hailing from Cobden in western Victoria, Mr Manuell began his career in finance in London at Cazenove and JBWere before returning to Australia to join ASX-listed company Equity Trustees in 2002, where he was appointed to the executive team in 2003.
Mr Manuell said he felt humbled and excited to take on the CIO role.
“I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to lead the team that invests retirement savings for more Australians than any other,” he said.
“As Australia’s largest active investor, we are able to unlock exceptional opportunities for members and the nation.
“With more than $410 billion under management, AustralianSuper is Australia’s largest superannuation fund and one of the 40 largest asset owners globally.”
Almost 60 percent of the total portfolio is internally managed, with more than 400 in-house investment professionals across the globe.
Assets under management are forecast to reach $600 billion by 2030.
Mr Manuell will commence in the role of Chief Investment Officer on July 1, 2026.
Senior portfolio managers Luke Smith and Andrew Smith will jointly lead the fund’s Australian Equities team on an interim basis pending a permanent appointment.
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