Rest appoints chief member officer

The $93 billion superannuation fund has named a chief member officer, taking over from August 25.

Rest has appointed Simone Van Veen as chief member officer, taking over from general manager, brand and member experience Andrew Ford who stepped in as interim chief member officer following the departure of Deborah Potts in November last year.

Based in Melbourne, Van Veen brings a significant background in member experience and relationship development over the past.

She is currently the chief member officer at Bank First, a role she's held since August 2021, and held various senior titles including executive, everyday banking experience at NAB, where she spent more than 15 years.

Rest chief executive Vicki Doyle believes Van Veen could elevate the member experience and relationship development as the super fund transitions to the next phase of its simplification mission.

"Our ambition is to support our members through easy and seamless digital experiences, alongside the right advice, tools and products," Doyle said, adding that half of the fund's members now access their account via the Rest app.

"Simone brings a highly commercial focus to Rest, alongside deep digital experience, that is anchored in strong leadership skills and customer-centric values.

"Simone's appointment supports Rest's focus on our members, while also recognising the importance of our strategic partner and employer relationships at a crucial juncture for Rest and the superannuation industry more broadly."

"We are dedicated to simplifying the experience of super for our two million members and empowering them to shape a future where they can reach their best-possible retirement outcomes," Doyle continued.

"We are delighted to welcome Simone to the Rest team and are excited to work with her to achieve our mission..."