The Board of Rest, one of Australia’s largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, today announced the appointment of new Independent Chair and Independent Director James Merlino, who will take over the role when Ken Marshman finishes his term on 31 December 2022.
Mr Marshman was appointed as an Independent Director on 17 December 2013 and as Independent Chair of the Board on 31 July 2014. He has made a significant contribution to the Board and Rest, steering the fund through substantial periods of transformation and growth.
Mr Merlino joins Rest from 1 January 2023 following a 20-year career in the Victorian Government where he most recently held the positions of Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Minister for Mental Health. His other ministerial portfolios included Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers.
Mr Marshman said: “It has been a privilege to serve as the Chair of the Rest Board for the past nine years. Protecting and growing our members’ retirement savings has remained my light on the hill as has the diverse and changing needs of our members.
“I’m proud that in my time at Rest we have been able to offer greater assistance to members, ensuring as many as possible have access to the important support they need, such as financial advice, flexible insurance and market-leading digital services.
“I’d like to thank Rest members, employees, the executive leadership team and my fellow Board Directors for all they have done to support me over the years.
“James is a fantastic addition to the Rest Board and will be a tireless advocate for our members, ensuring their best financial interests continue to be at the heart of everything at Rest.”
Now retired from politics, Mr Merlino brings strong skills and experience in fiscal and economic transformation, collaborative leadership, corporate governance and stakeholder relations.
“It’s an exciting moment to be joining Rest and I am honoured to have this opportunity to take up the position of Independent Chair of the Board and Director at one of Australia’s largest profit-to-member super funds.
“Superannuation plays a vital role in the lives of all Australians and I look forward to supporting Rest members as they trust us to grow their super.
“As the industry superannuation fund representing the largest number of Australians under the age of 35, and a fund representing more than a million women, Rest has a unique perspective and role to play in supporting our members as they navigate the current economic challenges while also delivering the best possible retirement outcomes for members.
“Rest represents Australians working in a range of industries, including retail, food and logistics. These are the people who keep our community functioning. The past few years has taught us just how critical to the economy our members truly are.”
For further information please visit our media centre or contact:
Michael Mills
Senior Manager, Communications – Media Relations
media@rest.com.au
m: 0428 499 722
This information has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the information or deciding whether to acquire or hold a product, consider its appropriateness and the relevant PDS and TMD which is available at rest.com.au/pds Issued by Retail Employees Superannuation Pty Limited ABN 39 001 987 739, AFSL 24 0003 (Rest), trustee of Retail Employees Superannuation Trust ABN 62 653 671 394