The Guardians of NZ Superannuation, the Crown entity that manages the $65 billion New Zealand Superannuation Fund, has appointed Paula Steed as Acting Chief Executive until such time as a permanent Chief Executive is in place.

Outgoing Chief Executive Matt Whineray, who announced his resignation earlier in the year, will leave the Guardians on 8 December.

Ms Steed joined the Guardians in July 2021 as General Manager Strategy and Shared Services from ASB Bank, where she was the Chief Internal Auditor. She has 25 years of experience in financial services and banking, starting her career with professional services firm Deloitte and holding various executive finance and general management roles with AMP, ANZ and ASB. As General Manager Strategy and Shared Services, Ms Steed is responsible for the Guardians’ strategic development, finance, tax and investment operations teams.

Guardians Chair Catherine Drayton said the Board’s search for a permanent Chief Executive to replace Mr Whineray was progressing well and that she expected to be able to make an appointment this year.