Tom Garcia, CEO of the The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) has resigned to take the position of head of product with AustralianSuper.

Mr Garcia will take up the role in mid-March, and will continue as AIST CEO until then.

AIST president, David Smith, paid tribute to Mr Garcia’s leadership role at AIST and said his contribution to public policy debate and the ongoing success of the not-for-profit super sector had been significant.

“Tom has been a passionate advocate for not-for-profit funds and their members through a period of significant policy and implementation challenges, as well as technological disruption,” Mr Smith said.

“During Tom’s four year tenure, AIST has thrived as an active and highly respected industry association with impact on super and retirement income policy, trustee and fund staff education and professional industry standards.”

Under Tom’s stewardship, AIST has been a strong and influential presence at Government and industry consultations on a broad spectrum of issues including the recent super tax changes, governance, Stronger Super implementation, disclosure, gateways and advice – always with the focus on delivering better outcomes for members.

Mr Smith wished Mr Garcia well in his future role at AustralianSuper, adding that AIST would begin a search for a new CEO immediately.

Mr Garcia said he had greatly enjoyed his time at AIST and was proud of its achievements as the peak representative body for the not-for-profit sector.

“I feel honoured to have been given the wonderful opportunity to lead AIST and work with the AIST board and staff. It is a fantastic organisation with many passionate and dedicated members and I look forward to seeing AIST grow from strength to strength in the future.”

 “The profit-for-member super industry is one of the most exciting and innovative areas to work in and I look forward to continuing my association with the sector through my new appointment at AustralianSuper,” he said.