Tasplan, the $9 billion superannuation fund, currently in merger talks with MTAA Super, has appointed David Stuart to the role of CIO.

The Tasmania-based fund recently entered into tripartite merger discussions with Statewide Super and WA Super to create a $24 billion super fund – but the the talks collapsed early this month

Stuart joins Tasplan with a wealth of knowledge about the asset owner, having been the lead consultant advising the superannuation fund for over a decade.

A former partner in Mercer’s wealth business, David also served as the chair of Mercer Australia’s dynamic asset allocation committee, and chaired the global dynamic asset allocation committee.  He also did a stint as  investment manager for the British Gas pension funds in London before emigrating to Australia in 1994

Tasplan chair Naomi Edwards said the fund is extremely grateful for the opportunity to welcome to the team someone with such strong experience and intimate knowledge of the super fund.

“David’s extensive experience in senior investment management places him perfectly to oversee Tasplan’s portfolio as the fund continues to grow,” she said.

“The expertise and understanding of dynamic asset allocation David demonstrated during his time at Mercer, one of the largest investment advisors in the world, will no doubt assist Tasplan in continuing to deliver excellent returns for our members.”

Prior to joining Mercer, Stuart held senior roles with HSBC Asset Management, Victorian Funds Management Corporation and Prudential Portfolio Managers.

He holds a Master of Arts (economics and mathematics) from Cambridge University, UK, and the Investment Management Certificate from the London Business School, UK.

Stuart replaces Ian Lundy who left Tasplan in March after two years in the role.