AustralianSuper has appointed Shawn Blackmore as its first chief officer retirement and Rose Kerlin as chief member officer, underscoring the growing importance super funds are placing in the decumulation asset phase as more Australians retire.

With over 3.5 million Australians expected to retire in the next decade, AustralianSuper chief executive Paul Schroder said it was critical super funds were equally focused on retirement as they were on the accumulation phase.

“AustralianSuper is committed to being a leader in retirement for members. With over 900,000 members over the age of 50, AustralianSuper members are counting on us to ensure we are there for them before retirement, in the transition to retirement and also in retirement,” he said in a media release.

Blackmore was previously group executive member experience since 2013 and Kerlin was group executive membership and brand.

The new roles, which take place on 1 December, are part of a broader restructure of the fund’s senior executives.