NGS Super announces the appointment of a new Independent Chair and Board Member
29 Aug 2024 1 min readNGS Super, a leading industry super fund for education and community-based professionals, today announced the appointment of John Battams as Independent Chair and Brett Lazarides as Independent Director, following a comprehensive recruitment process initiated in April 2024.
The appointments follow the Fund’s adoption of a revised constitution allowing for the inclusion of independent directors.
A significant number of high calibre applications were received for the two roles, reflecting a strong desire and passion from candidates to contribute to NGS’ vision to help its members plan for and reach their retirement goals. Following a rigorous selection process the NGS Board unanimously approved the appointments of John Battams and Brett Lazarides, at its meeting on 15 August 2024.
John Battams will assume the role of Independent Chair on 1 January 2025, following the planned retirement of current Chair, Dr Geoff Newcombe AM, on 31 December 2024. John brings a wealth of experience, currently serving as Director and Risk Committee Chair for Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), and Chair of Queensland Teachers Union Health Fund, an APRA-regulated private health insurance fund. His extensive background includes over a decade on the Board of Sunsuper.
Brett Lazarides will begin his term as Independent Director on 1 September 2024, joining the Investment and Risk, Audit and Compliance Committees. Brett’s impressive credentials include over a decade as an independent director of industry super funds Combined Super and Prime Super, and executive roles with UniSuper, Frontier, Perpetual, and NAB.
NGS Super Board Deputy Chair, Georgina Smith, expressed confidence in the new appointments: “We are delighted to welcome John and Brett to the Board. Their exceptional leadership, and extensive industry knowledge will add depth to the expertise that already exists on the Board and bring new perspectives to our commitment to excellence in the products, services and support we offer our members.”
Ms Smith also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Chair Dr Geoff Newcombe AM. Georgina added, “The Board extends its heartfelt gratitude to Geoff for his dedicated service and leadership. During his time on the Board, he has made a significant contribution to the growth and success of NGS Super. Geoff will step down as Chair on 31 December 2024. His presence and wise counsel will be missed and the Board and staff at NGS Super wish him all the best for his future.”
