AustralianSuper hires head of AI

AustralianSuper said the newly created role will help align autonomous agents with human intent.

The $410 billion super fund has named its first head of AI and automation in a newly created role.

Sarah Carney joins AustralianSuper from Microsoft where she spent a decade, most recently as national chief technology officer for Australia and New Zealand.

AustralianSuper chief platforms officer Mike Backeberg said appointing Carney was a major step in the fund's tech evolution.

"Sarah has over two decades' experience leading digital transformation, AI strategy, and enterprise-scale change programs globally," Backeberg said.

"Having someone of Sarah's calibre join our team is a demonstration of our determination to use technology to its fullest capability to deliver for members."

Backeberg said AustralianSuper has already embraced AI and automation across the business, but the new role will further position the fund as a "technology leader in the superannuation sector".

"At AustralianSuper we are looking to align autonomous agents with human intent, embed guardrails without killing momentum and turn experimentation into repeatable scaled outcomes," Backeberg said.

"This means addressing how AI flows through the organisation, finding ways for humans and machines to collaborate at scale and making sure that governance is fit for purpose."

Carney will start with the fund in late July and said she was excited to be joining.

"In my most recent role I have had a front row seat seeing the incredible development and growth of AI and automation globally," Carney said.

"Finding new ways to apply both automation and AI to support AustralianSuper's purpose of having members achieve their best financial position in retirement is an opportunity I am really looking forward to.

"Whether it's through supporting personalised member guidance and advice, enabling greater investment capability and insights or further improving service levels, AI and automation have a vital role to play in delivering better outcomes for members."

AustralianSuper has also announced the appointment of partner Ignition to start rolling out digital advice options for the fund's 3.6 million members in the second half of this year, with the aim to release all digital advice journeys across the 2026/27 financial year.