Leeanne Turner is the new chief executive of the $6 billion Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Ltd.

Turner is a former deputy CEO of the fund. For four years she worked under former MTAA Super chief executive Michael Delaney and was the former CEO of AvSuper.

“Leeanne’s appointment reflects her skills and track record within the superannuation industry,” former Victorian Premier and MTAA Super chairman John Brumby said in a statement.

Turner has already started work. She was in a board meeting and not available for comment, her office says.

Brumby said there was a “comprehensive internal and external search” for the new CEO of the fund. MTAA Super has about 290,000 members.

Under Delaney the fund lost money during the global financial crises because of investments in property, leveraged buyout and venture capital funds. It also suffered currency losses.

Brumby said Vicki Allen and Susanne Dahn have been chosen to sit on the board as independent directors. Philip Perdikaris has joined the board as an employer representative.