Super Consumers appoints former regulator as chair

Super Consumers Australia (SCA) has appointed former deputy chair of ASIC and ACCC as its board chair.

Peter Kell brings decades of experience in consumer protection, financial services regulation and public policy to SCA and has previously served as the chief executive of CHOICE, a consumer advocacy group.

Kell currently serves as the chair of the consumer consultative committee at Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA), the chair of the Financial Counselling Industry Fund, chair of the consumer advisory panel at Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) as well as chair of the consumer consultative committee at ACCC.

"Peter has spent his career working to make markets fairer, safer and more accountable for consumers," SCA chief executive Xavier O'Halloran said.

"His deep experience in consumer advocacy, financial services and regulation will be invaluable as Super Consumers Australia continues to push for a superannuation system that works for people on low and middle incomes."

Kell noted Super Consumers' vital role in standing up for people in a complex and compulsory system.

"I look forward to working with the board and team to advance practical reforms that improve retirement outcomes and strengthen consumer protections," Kell said.

SCA also thanked interim chair Elissa Freeman since end of 2025 when former chair Rod Stowe stepped down from the role.

"Elissa provided steady and thoughtful leadership during an important transition period," O'Halloran said.

"We are grateful for her contribution as interim chair and pleased that Super Consumers Australia will continue to benefit from her experience and commitment as a board member."

SCA acknowledged the significant contribution Stowe played during his tenure.

"Rod has made an outstanding contribution to consumer protection over many decades, including through his leadership of Super Consumers Australia," O'Halloran said.

"We thank him for his service and the strong foundation he helped build for the organisation's next phase."

SCA thanked outgoing board member Brendan Coates, who concluded his term in June after taking up a new role at Treasury.

"Brendan has brought deep expertise in economic policy, retirement incomes and superannuation to the board over the past 12 months," O'Halloran said.

"We thank him for his valuable contribution and wish him well in his new role."