The investor & the innovator

Future Ready Forum

We are pleased to present Committee for Perth’s Future Ready Forum – The investor & the innovator, being held on Wednesday, 5 July 2023 at Squire Patton Boggs.

This event brings together Deanne Stewart, CEO of Aware Super, and David Messina, Co-founder and CEO of agritech startup Rumin8, to share their insights on growth opportunities for the WA economy, including investment, digital transformation and biotech.

Deanne leads Aware Super – one of Australia’s biggest superannuation funds. She will talk about her approach to advocacy and investing in WA’s diverse economic landscape.

Aware Super is a cornerstone investor in Rumin8, an exciting Perth climate technology company which has attracted attention around the world and investment from ventures backed by Bill Gates and Dr Andrew Forrest. The company is developing a supplement which could be fed to cattle to reduce their methane emissions.

With thanks to our event host, Squire Patton Boggs.

Meet our speakers and panellists

Deanne Stewart

Chief Executive Officer, Aware Super

As one of Australia’s largest super funds, Deanne has led Aware Super’s drive to be a ‘Force for Good’ through its responsible investment philosophy and focus on providing its members with the best guidance and advice for retirement.

She has with more than 25 years’ leadership experience in financial services in wealth, superannuation and insurance sectors in Australia and internationally. This includes time as Managing Director with Merrill Lynch Investment management in New York, and as an Engagement Manager with McKinsey and Company in London.

Before joining Aware Super, Deanne was Chief Executive Officer of MetLife Australia and held senior roles within BT Financial Group including as General Manager for Superannuation, Marketing and Direct Channels.

Deanne also serves as a Director of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors and non-profit organisation Redkite.

A hallmark of Deanne’s career has been a passionate commitment to building and maintaining a strong culture and clearly defined purpose to drive business success.

David Messina

Co-founder & CEO, Rumin8

David is a successful international executive with proven entrepreneurial skills and track record in developing and managing businesses in agriculture, energy and biotech, holding positions at the board and in executive management with both start-ups and mature businesses.

Previously, David was the CEO of Seed Grain Biotechnology Australia, Planttech Pty Ltd, Central EU Biofuels Ltd, Hutton Energy and most recently Whitebark Energy. He is currently the Chairman of Cadogan Estates Australia, owner of large farming properties in WA.

David was born and raised on a family farm in WA and has an excellent understanding of both the challenges and opportunities facing Australian farmers and producers. David is uniquely placed to realise the commercial development of the Rumin8 technology.