Paula Steed, who joined the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation in 2021 as the general manager of technology, has had a C-suite position created for her skills.
She has been appointed to the newly created position of chief operating officer. Steed was previously general manager of strategy and shared services and was acting chief executive officer between December 2023 and April 2024.
The new role will incorporate responsibilities for technology, corporate strategy and shared services functions.
“Combining these business units will help break down operational silos and create a clearer line of sight between our strategic priorities and their execution,” said CEO Jo Townsend.
Townsend said Steed’s skill set made her “the ideal person to take on this role,” and prepare the fund for growth because the Super Fund is expected to double over the next 10 years or so.
Steed came from a 25-year career in financial services and banking, including various executive finance and general management roles with AMP, ANZ, ASB and Deloitte.
