The Fiftyfaces Podcast

Episode 287: Matt Whineray: Former CEO of NZ Super Fund: Towards a Total Fund Portfolio Approach

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Episode notes

Matt Whineray recently retired from the role of Chief Executive Officer at the NZ$77 bn NZ Super Fund, where he had spent close to 16 years in a series of roles, culminating in CEO but which included 4 years as CIO. He previously worked in a series of corporate finance roles, and currently holds a number of Chair and Board roles. Our conversation starts with his early career in finance, which saw him move from New Zealand to New York and Hong Kong.  We discuss the moment he knew that he wanted to take his family back to New Zealand and its natural bounty and how he acted upon that.  Moving then to his role at the NZ Super Fund we discuss the nature of the entity, its governance and overarching objective.   As one of the instigators of a total fund portfolio approach, we dig in in some detail as to what that means and how it evolved. There are various other unique characteristics of NZ Super too and Matt discusses its commitments around sustainable investing and what return and volatility it could tolerate. We end with Matt’s current chapter, a retirement that includes a portfolio of board roles including Netball New Zealand as well as a good deal of travel. This is a fascinating insight into a unique institution that punches well above its weight in investment innovation. At Fiftyfaces Productions Ltd. we want to hear from you!We are now at 284 podcasts in the main  #fiftyfacespodcast and over 300 including our spin-off series and special themes.We have championed hundreds of stories and amplified hundreds of role models. We have discussed difficult topics and empowering ones, and have moved the conversation on at every turn.Now, as we look to 2025, we want to continue to improve and develop content that adds to the richness of our professional lives with no agenda other than to enable more people to achieve their potential.Please #write to us, #comment here or #complete the google form here https://lnkd.in/gj54v3Zz to tell us what you like, dislike and how we can improve. And you can always support us on Patreon here https://lnkd.in/gQ7zmEuB. Every little helps.