We work hard to look after your money, after all, you’ve worked hard to earn it. As a team, we aim to deliver you positive long-term outcomes and to help you secure your retirement income through a disciplined investment approach.
We’re a ‘manager of managers’
We appoint a number of external investment managers to implement specialised investment strategies across a range of asset classes. We also manage some investment strategies in-house where we have internal capabilities and where we think external managers have little comparative advantage.
Our responsibilities
We’re responsible for investing and managing the retirement savings of all UniSuper members. It’s a critical role and one we take seriously by applying a disciplined approach to investing.
Selecting investment managers and securities
We’re responsible for selecting external investment managers to manage some of the Fund’s investments. We’re also responsible for selecting securities (if we manage the funds in-house) and for monitoring the Fund’s investment activities and performance.
As a team, we’re accountable for the Fund's investment performance and risk management which we regularly report to the Board and Investment Committee (a sub-committee of the UniSuper Board).
Meet the team
Headed by Chief Investment Officer, John Pearce, our in-house investment team is made up of over 25 skilled and experienced investment and finance professionals.
Chief Investment Officer, John Pearce
John joined UniSuper as Chief Investment Officer in July 2009. With over 25 years’ experience in financial services, John’s previous positions include Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Investments at Colonial First State (2000-2007) and Head of Global Asset Management for Ping An, China's second largest insurance company (2007-2009).
Head of Portfolio Analysis and Implementation, Dharmendra Dayabhai
Dharmendra joined UniSuper in August 2002 and has over 23 years’ experience in financial services. His previous positions include Head of Investment Performance at National Australia Bank, Manager Investment Products at AXA Asset Management, as well as other senior management roles with Colonial Investment Management (NZ) and the actuarial division of Tower Corporation.
Head of Research and Quant Methods, David Schneider
David has held this position since 2005 and is responsible for the Fund’s investment research and strategic asset allocation. Before joining UniSuper, David was a partner at Deloitte, practising in the actuarial field and was also the founding Managing Director of the first actuarial consultancy in Botswana, Actuarial Solutions. He has also served on several research and professional bodies including the Convenor of the Actuarial Society of South Africa’s AIDS Committee.
Head of Equities, Simon Hudson
Simon joined UniSuper in March 2010 and is responsible for the Fund’s international and domestic equity strategies which include internally and externally managed portfolios. He has over 22 years’ experience in equities and financial markets. Before joining UniSuper, Simon was Head of Australian Equities at Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC). His previous positions also include Senior Portfolio Manager, Australian Equities at Colonial First State and Equity Analyst at Ord Minnett Securities (now JPMorgan).
Head of Property and Private Markets, Kent Robbins
Kent joined UniSuper in 2009 and has over 20 years’ experience in financial services, predominantly in superannuation and property funds management. Kent’s background includes running property securities funds, direct property funds management, super fund consulting, asset management, valuations, leasing and property management throughout Australia. His prior roles include board representation on domestic and offshore property funds and on a superannuation investment committee.
Head of Investment Law and Compliance, Luke Barrett
Luke is responsible for ensuring UniSuper’s legal position is well-protected across all investment dealings and provides advice on the regulatory and internal compliance requirements impacting the Fund’s investment program. Luke joined in 2008 and has around 15 years’ experience in financial services, superannuation and corporate law, with a focus on funds management and large investment transactions. Luke has previously held senior legal positions with Vanguard and law firm, Allens, and is a member of the Law Council of Australia’s Superannuation Committee.
Head of Fixed Interest and Cash, Nick Footner
Nick joined UniSuper in November 2009 and became Head of Fixed Interest and Cash in July 2012. He is responsible for the Fund’s international and domestic fixed interest strategies - which includes both internally and externally managed portfolios. Prior to joining UniSuper, Nick worked for Victorian Funds Management Corporation and Australia’s sovereign debt manager, the Australian Office of Financial Management.
Get help
Talk to our UniSuper Member Services team on 1800 331 685 to find out how they can help you.
UniSuper Helpline 1800 331 685
UniSuper Advice 1300 331 685