MEDIA RELEASE: 2 October 2020
MEDIA RELEASE - 20 May 2020
Workplace mental health organisation SuperFriend has appointed AustralianSuper's Rose Kerlin as its newest fund representative Director, effective May 2020, alongside two new appointments to the Board's Expert Advisory Committee.
Ms Kerlin joins the Board following the recent departure in April of long-standing Director Paul Schroder, who contributed significantly to SuperFriend’s growth and success during his ten-year term.
SuperFriend Chair and Cbus CEO, David Atkin, said “Rose's passion for members and deep knowledge of the complex superannuation sector are fantastic assets for SuperFriend's Board. We welcome her strategic and practical perspectives and commitment to improving Australian workers' mental health and wellbeing."
Ms Kerlin leads AustralianSuper's Membership group, which manages relationships with businesses and unions. She joined AustralianSuper in 2010 and worked in a variety of member-focussed roles across three states, before joining the Executive team in December 2016.
Previously a National Director at the Finance Sector Union of Australia, Ms Kerlin holds a Bachelor of Economics (Social Sciences) from the University of Sydney, a Diploma of Financial Planning, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
SuperFriend CEO, Margo Lydon, said "Rose is well known in the industry for her intelligence and tenacity, and brings fantastic insights into the needs of the 300,000 workplaces her fund supports. I'm so pleased to welcome her to the Board, and look forward to seeing what we will achieve together."
Speaking of the appointment, Ms Kerlin said "After watching SuperFriend grow over the years, I'm so pleased to be joining its Board. The health and economic impacts of COVID-19 are bringing renewed urgency to supporting workplace mental health, and I look forward to being part of the solution."
The Board's Expert Advisory Committee also recently welcomed Zurich and OnePath's Head of Mental Health & Wellness, Life Insurance, Maria Falas, and LUCRF Super's Executive Manager Distribution, Chris Deakin. Overseen by occupational and public health physician and SuperFriend Board Director Professor Niki Ellis, the Committee provides strategic advice on the design of SuperFriend's mental health solutions and research.
