The A$250 billion ($169 billion) Future Fund promoted deputy CIO Ben Samild to chief investment officer following a yearlong search.
Future Fund CEO Raphael Arndt had been assuming the CIO responsibilities. Samild is said to provide continuity and a deep understanding of the investment portfolio for the 90-strong investment team.
As deputy CIO for portfolio strategy in 2021 and then for portfolio construction from 2022, Samild was involved in reviewing investment strategy in light of the fund’s position paper on climate change. Having been at the Future Fund since 2013, he has held roles as head of alternatives and director of debt and alternatives. Prior to this he spent four years as head of investment strategy for LUCRF Super, which is now part of the Australian Super pension scheme.
Samild said, “Having spent a significant amount of time leading the research and strategic orientation on the impact of contemporary global challenges to the investment environment, I am very excited to be able to steward the portfolio at this critical juncture.”
Following Samild’s promotion, Hugh Murray, head of overlays, has been appointed acting deputy CIO for portfolio construction. Meanwhile, Alicia Gregory remains deputy CIO for private markets, a role she was able to take on fully after being replaced as acting head of private equity by David Bluff in April.
