CEO Announced

The President of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST), Cate Wood, has today announced the appointment of Tom Garcia as Chief Executive Officer.

15 February 2013

AIST announces new CEO appointment

The President of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST), Cate Wood, has today announced the appointment ofTom Garcia as Chief Executive Officer.

Ms Wood said the AIST board was delighted to appoint Mr Garcia - who has been AIST's executive manager, policy and research, for the past two years - as its new CEO.

"Tom has played a pivotal role in driving AIST's advocacy on the superannuation reforms, governance, adequacy and the many other issues affecting members of not-for-profit super funds," said Ms Wood. "He has a deep understanding of the superannuation landscape and the board is confident he will build on the success of AIST as a vocal and influential peak body for Australia's $500 billion not-for-profit sector".

During his time at AIST, Mr Garcia has been a strong presence at Government roundtables, on Stronger Super Committees and appeared as a witness before various Parliamentary committees.

In addition to his experience in superannuation policy and research, Mr Garcia has a background in financial planning, marketing and engineering. Prior to joining AIST, he was a senior manager at Industry Fund Financial Planning for four years and an engineering manager at Michelin Australia.

Mr Garcia said he looked forward to his new leadership role within AIST and working closely with staff, member funds as well as the many other industry stakeholders to ensure that superannuation policy outcomes were always in the best interests of members and the perspective of the not-for-profit sector was part of the debate.

"As we've seen in the past few weeks, Australians are increasingly concerned about the future of their retirement savings and how policy changes affect them. In addition to implementing the Stronger Super reforms this year, the industry must focus on working together with government, regulators and other stakeholders to ensure that the policy settings of our retirement system are both sustainable and equitable over the long term".

Mr Garcia will be meeting with all AIST member funds in the near future to discuss their requirements and interactions with AIST's key member services including advocacy, research, trustee and staff education.

Mr Garcia replaces Fiona Reynolds who left AIST in January to accept the role of Managing Director of the London-based United Nations Principles of Responsible Investing (UNPRI). Mr Garcia's appointment is effective immediately.

Further media enquiries:
AIST Media Manager Janet de Silva: 0448 000 499

AIST is the peak industry body for the $500 billion not-for-profit super sector which includes industry, corporate and public sector funds covering the super interests of nearly two-thirds of the Australian workforce.