JANA appointed as Spirit Super’s asset consultant

JANA has been appointed as the asset consultant to Australia’s newest national industry super fund, Spirit Super.

Spirit Super was the industry fund rising from the 2021 merge between MTAA and TASPLAN, with $26.5 billion funds under management and over 324,000 members across Australia.

The appointment, which came into effect on 1 July, saw JANA replace long-term incumbent Whitehelm Capital.

JANA chief executive, Jim Lamborn, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to partner with Spirit Super as they support hard-working Australians across all industries and life stages.

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“Spirit Super has recently made some exciting acquisitions in its unlisted portfolio, including Parliament Square in Hobart and, prospectively, a majority share in the Port of Geelong. These assets hold strong underpinnings which will play a key role in the communities they serve.

“Together, we look forward to working toward a brighter future for millions of Australians.”

Super funds continued to face profound challenges posed by regulatory change and increasing market consolidation. JANA said mid-sized funds were uniquely positioned to look at opportunities in Australia as mega-funds increasingly shifted their focus to global markets.

“We understand that following its merger, Spirit Super is seeking to continue to grow and to deliver outstanding long-term member outcomes. We are pleased they have entrusted JANA as their partner to help realise their investment aspirations,” said Lamborn.

Ross Barry, chief investment officer at Spirit Super, said: “The investment team at Spirit has undergone a major evolution in our operating model and our consulting needs are changing as a result.

“We felt JANA was strongly aligned to our aspirations, our global research focus and our first principles approach to investing.”