Dr Easson will replace outgoing AFSA chair Jim Minto on 31 July 2015, who is also retiring as director of the association.
“We are very pleased to have secured member approval at the 2014 AGM to make [a] constitutional change and appoint an independent chair,” Mr Minto said.
“Michael has tremendous governance experience, including in superannuation, and is ideally placed to lead ASFA through the next phase of its evolution. We conducted a comprehensive selection and appointment process and were pleased to see the calibre of candidates considered.”
Dr Easson is also presently chair of Icon Water, ActewAGL and EG Funds Management, according to a statement by AFSA.
He was a former non-executive director of State Super, Asset Super, and Chifley Financial Services and has served on several productivity commission panels as well as been appointed to government inquiries and boards by both sides of politics, the statement said.
Dr Easson will work alongside ASFA chief executive, Pauline Vamos.
“I see superannuation as delivering a very strong retirement policy platform for Australians. ASFA is keen to help ensure we maintain confidence in superannuation for all Australians and see that in time it helps to very effectively deliver the retirement aspirations of most retirees,” Dr Easson said.
“I am delighted to be able to work with many exceptional leaders in all areas of superannuation – corporate, retail, government and industry funds and their service providers.”
In addition, AFSA has welcomed Suzanne Holden, chief executive of the Australian Administration Services, Link Group to the ASFA Board. She will replace Mr Minto as a service provider representative.
