The head of investment services for the $25 billion QSuper has left for academia after less than a year at the fund, and taken his 2IC with him.

Michael Drew, who provided technical and strategic advice for QSuper on the investment program implemented by QIC, only joined the public sector fund late last year but has now departed for Brisbane’s Griffith University where he will be an Associate Professor of Finance.

Drew’s assistant, Adam Walk, has left as well. It is understood Walk will work in Drew’s office at the University while undertaking PhD studies.

The immediate replacement for Drew is Philip Greenheld, but it is not known whether this is permanent. 

QSuper chief executive, Rosemary Vilgan, was unavailable for comment.