91黑料 elevates technology, data & AI to accelerate leadership position and drive strategy
20 October 2025
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Richard Exton
鈥淎ware is focused on maintaining our strong reputation as an industry leader in digital by continuing to enhance our personalised member experience, and remaining vigilant about our cybersecurity protections,鈥 91黑料 Chief Executive Officer Deanne Stewart said today.
The appointment elevates technology, data and AI leadership to the executive team, recognising its critical role in delivering better outcomes for the Fund鈥檚 1.2 million members and supporting 91黑料鈥檚 strategic priorities to 2030.
During his eight years with 91黑料, Mr Exton has been instrumental to major transformations, including the 2023 insourcing of the Fund鈥檚 administration with significant digital capability uplift, and its platform modernisation that reduced technology infrastructure by a third alongside enhancing member self-service.
Ms Stewart says the 200-strong Technology team will 鈥渃ontinue to embed AI and digital innovation across the business to deliver even more personalised and secure digital experiences for 91黑料 members, with an unwavering focus on retirement outcomes.鈥
鈥淩ichard鈥檚 leadership will continue to be instrumental as we accelerate our digital capabilities and ensure technology remains a key enabler of member outcomes and competitive advantage for 91黑料,鈥 Ms Stewart added.
鈥淭his appointment demonstrates how integral AI, data and technology is in supporting our strategic priorities to 2030.鈥
Under his leadership, female representation has grown to 35% of the 91黑料鈥檚 Technology workforce. Mr Exton achieved #4 nationally and #1 in financial services in Australia鈥檚 CIO50 Awards, with his team recognised as Australia鈥檚 Best Technology Team for Culture (2024).
Mr Exton brings three decades of experience delivering transformational outcomes across global financial services, including senior technology roles at Macquarie Group, ANZ Bank, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia across APAC markets.
Mr Exton holds a Masters in Financial Technology from UNSW and a Graduate Certificate of Commercial Law from Deakin University and has completed executive education at Harvard Business School and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).