Deanne Stewart, who joined MetLife Australia as chief executive in May 2014, will replace First State Super boss Michael Dwyer when he steps down in November 2018.
Mr Dwyer has been the chief executive of First State Super for 14 years. The fund announced in May he would retire at the end of his current contract in November.
Before her tenure at MetLife Australia, Ms Stewart held leadership positions at BT in Sydney and Merrill Lynch in New York.
Commenting on her appointment, First State Super chair Neil Cochrane pointed to Ms Stewart's "extensive experience and achievements in superannuation, investment management, insurance, strategy and marketing".
"The priority that Deanne places on relationships with people – be it our members, our stakeholders or our employees – was evident in each of the conversations the Board and I had with her," Mr Cochrane said.
"Importantly, Deanne’s management career has given her a close understanding of the investment management process. We currently manage $90bn on behalf of our members and clients.
"As CEO, she will be ultimately responsible for ensuring that we continue to deliver sustainable long-term investment returns to these members and clients," he said.
