The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, manager of the $76.6 billion NZ Super Fund, has appointed Michael Mitchell to the role of Chief Risk Officer. 

Mr Mitchell was previously the Guardians’ Head of Risk and has been Acting Chief Risk Officer since the retirement of Mark Fennell earlier this year. His appointment follows an extensive search and recruitment process. 

Guardians CEO Jo Townsend said Mr Mitchell’s knowledge of the Guardians’ risk assessment framework and risk management procedures were a valuable asset to the Guardians and to the Super Fund. 

“To achieve our purpose, Sustainable Investment Delivering Strong Returns to All New Zealanders, we need to take some risk,” Ms Townsend said. 

“Understanding, assessing, and managing that risk is one of the most important jobs we have, and I am very pleased we will have Michael to lead that work.” 

Mr Mitchell, who joined the Guardians in 2005, began his career with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand before taking roles with Morgan Stanley, Westpac Investment Management and ABN Amro.