Aware Super names Richard Exton Chief Technology and Data Officer
Aware Super has created a new executive role and appointed Richard Exton as Group Executive, Chief Technology and Data Officer. He steps into the position in November, reporting directly to CEO Deanne Stewart. The intent is clear: put technology, data, and AI at the center of the fund's 2030 plan and member outcomes.
With 1.2 million members, the fund is sharpening focus on secure, personalized digital experiences and measurable retirement results. As Stewart put it, "Aware is focused on maintaining our strong reputation as an industry leader in digital by continuing to enhance our personalised member experience, and remaining vigilant about our cybersecurity protections."
Strategic priorities
- Make technology and data core to the operating model with executive-level accountability.
- Lift digital experience quality while keeping cybersecurity front and center.
- Use AI to improve service, reduce friction, and support better retirement decisions.
- Build a data foundation that speeds delivery and informs decisions across the business.
Stewart underscored the elevation of these functions: "Richard's leadership will continue to be instrumental as we accelerate our digital capabilities and ensure technology remains a key enabler of member outcomes and competitive advantage for Aware Super." She added, "This appointment demonstrates how integral AI, data and technology is in supporting our strategic priorities to 2030."
What changes on the ground
Exton has helped drive major shifts over eight years at Aware Super. In 2023, the fund insourced administration, which improved digital capability and control. A platform modernisation effort cut technology infrastructure by a third and expanded member self-service options.
The 200-person technology team will keep embedding AI and digital innovation across the business. The goal: more personalised and secure experiences that directly support retirement outcomes.
Workforce and industry recognition
Female representation in the technology team has reached 35%, reflecting deliberate progress on diversity. Exton ranked fourth nationally and first in financial services in Australia's CIO50 Awards, and the team was named Australia's Best Technology Team for Culture in 2024.
About Richard Exton
Exton brings roughly three decades of technology leadership across the financial services sector, with senior roles at Macquarie Group, ANZ Bank, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia across the Asia-Pacific region. He holds a Master's in Financial Technology from the University of New South Wales and a Graduate Certificate of Commercial Law from Deakin University, along with executive education from Harvard Business School and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Why this move matters for executives
- Clear ownership: Combining tech, data, and AI under one leader reporting to the CEO tightens accountability and speeds delivery.
- Measured outcomes: Infrastructure reduction and self-service gains show how to tie platform work to cost, speed, and member value.
- Operating leverage: Insourcing critical functions can improve agility and experience-when matched with the right leadership and metrics.
- Risk posture: Security remains a core promise; AI rollout should advance in lockstep with control and governance.
- People strategy: Diversity targets and culture awards aren't vanity metrics-they correlate with stronger tech execution.
What to watch next
- Priority AI use cases that lift advice, service, and fraud detection-backed by clear guardrails and auditability.
- Data platform moves that simplify the stack and improve time-to-insight.
- Experience metrics tied to retirement outcomes: self-service adoption, cost-to-serve, NPS, and time-to-ship.
For more on the fund's broader direction, visit Aware Super.
If you're scoping practical AI options for finance and member services, this curated list can help: AI tools for finance.
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