The Board of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, the Crown entity that invests the $38b NZ Super Fund, has appointed Matt Whineray as Chief Executive Officer, Chair Catherine Savage announced today.

Acting CEO of the Guardians since March 2018, Mr Whineray joined the organisation in 2008 as General Manager, Private Markets. Since 2014 he has been the Guardians’ Chief Investment Officer, responsible for the Fund’s investment activity in listed and unlisted markets, both directly and through investment managers.

The appointment follows a global, publicly-advertised search process, conducted with the assistance of a specialist executive search firm.

“Mr Whineray was the stand out candidate amongst a high quality field of international applicants. He has been instrumental in the Guardians’ successes over the last decade and is recognised globally as a leader in institutional investment. The Board has the utmost confidence in his leadership ability, intelligence and integrity.”

In 2017 Mr Whineray was ranked 9th in Chief Investment Officer magazine’s Power 100 list of the world’s top investment managers.

Ms Savage said Mr Whineray would lead a high-performing team in good heart. “The Board looks forward to seeing the NZ Super Fund continue to exemplify investment best practice and create value for taxpayers.”

Mr Whineray thanked the Board for their confidence in him and said he was delighted to take on the role of leading the Guardians. “The NZ Super Fund is one of the most exciting places to work in institutional investment globally, and I am looking forward to the challenge immensely,” said Mr Whineray.

The appointment is effective 1 July 2018.

ENDS

For more information see Mr Whineray's extended bio and headshot.