Graeme Arnott is the new chief executive of StatePlus, after serving four months as the acting chief executive following its acquisition by First State Super in June 2016.
Neil Cochrane, chair of StatePlus, said the appointment followed an extensive independent executive recruitment process, during which the board considered both internal and external candidates.
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Graeme Arnott as CEO at StatePlus. Graeme brings to this role a wealth of experience and industry knowledge gained from a 25-year career, including nine years at First State Super and 16 years at JP Morgan in a variety of executive roles,” said Cochrane.
“During his time with First State Super, Graeme played a significant role in helping the fund grow to become one of Australia’s most prominent profit-for-member funds.
“As StatePlus looks to the future, we are pleased to have someone with Graeme’s commitment to our clients’ wellbeing and team leadership skills.”
Arnott joins StatePlus after nine years as chief operating officer and deputy chief executive at First State Super. Prior to this, he spent 16 years in senior management roles at JP Morgan, having joined in 1991 after a period with Price Waterhouse. Arnott was awarded chief operating officer of the year by FEAL and LaTrobe Financial in 2013. He qualified as a chartered accountant in Scotland and holds a BSc from Strathclyde University.
Arnott said that this was an exciting time for StatePlus.
“The combination of First State Super Financial Services and StatePlus will create one of the country’s leading financial advice businesses, with over $21 billion in retirement savings and more than 200 financial planners located across Australia.
“I am looking forward to continuing to work with the StatePlus leadership team and the board to build on our reputation as a trusted adviser to our clients and to ensure that StatePlus maximises the opportunities ahead.”
Cochrane also announced the appointment of three new members to the StatePlus board; Roslyn Ramwell, Michael Rice and Trevor Carr.
They will join existing directors Sue Carter, Mark Lennon and John Warburton on the board. The new StatePlus board brings together highly capable and experienced directors with Neil Cochrane, who is also chair of First State Super, remaining as chair of StatePlus.
