Cbus Super has appointed a new Deputy Chief Investment Officer of the fund
Cbus Super has appointed Leigh Gavin as Deputy Chief Investment Officer of the fund.
Gavin was previously Head of Portfolio Strategies at the fund and was responsible for driving the $100 billion industry fund’s strategy to internalise more than half its assets under management, while also enhancing global partnerships for greater access to new investment.
The appointment reflects the fund’s growth ambitions to build out internal strategies, Brett Chatfield, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Cbus Super, said.
“Leigh has been an integral part of the Investment Leadership Team since 2023, and brings a strong depth of senior experience including at CIO and senior investment advisory levels,” Chatfield said.
Gavin’s strong knowledge of the fund and connection to investing for Cbus members dates back to the early 2000s as an adviser.
“Leigh has done an exceptional job continuing the build out of internal equity strategies, and enhanced key strategic portfolio initiatives and business management activities. We are very well placed to continue the successful build out of our internal capabilities under Leigh,” Chatfield said.
“We are forecasting that our internal investment capabilities will grow to about 50 per cent of the portfolio within three years. Leigh will continue to look at ways we can bring further strategies in-house as part of Cbus’ five-year investment strategy.”
Cbus estimates that the internalisation program has delivered overall investment fee and cost savings of more than $1 billion since 2018 to members.
Gavin’s promotion comes after a series of new appointments at Cbus, including the appointment of Justin Pascoe as Head of Portfolio Construction. Pascoe has worked at AustralianSuper, Goldman Sachs, State Street, and spent eight years as the CIO at VFMC.
Jordan Kraiten was promoted to Head of Private Markets & Infrastructure in 2024 and previously spent over 12 years at HostPlus, property expert Nikki Panagopoulos was named Senior Investment Director, Property and joined from Australian Unity, while global equities expert Xia Wu who joined the fund after holding roles at AustralianSuper, Bell Asset Management and Ellerston Capital.
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