No fanfare but plenty of fans for super heroes

The nominees did not arrive in stretched limos and there was no red carpet.

Unlike those at other awards nights, these nominees were not being recognised for their popularity or sporting achievements, but because of how well they do their job.

On May 31, the inaugural La Trobe Financial chief investment officer and chief operations officer of the year for Australian fiduciary funds were announced.

This may not mean much to you but the awards were recognising the efforts of the people who are in charge of the operations and the investing of most Australians' superannuation.

The chief operations officer is the person responsible for not only ensuring the day-to-day operations of a superannuation fund run as smoothly as possible, but they must also have an eye to the future to ensure members' needs are met in years to come.

The chief investment officer has responsibility for trying to maximise the investment returns for the money held in trust by superannuation funds on behalf of members. This not only includes trying to pick the right investments but, more importantly, to take into consideration economic conditions and investment trends.

The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, Bill Shorten, could not attend because of commitments in Canberra but in a video message he acknowledged the importance of the people receiving the awards.

He said: "I know our strong regulatory system provides a possible framework for the security of people's retirement savings. However, it's the people managing the funds, such as the chief investment officers and chief operating officers and their staff, who have the day-to-day responsibility for members' interests."

The awards were established to recognise the efforts and hard work of chief investment officers and chief operating officers and to provide incentives for their continuing professional development.

In addition to being recognised by their peers, the winners each received a cheque for $5000 to go towards further education.

At the start of the awards, chief executive officers of about 80 superannuation funds, multi-manager funds and government and other insurance and treasury funds were contacted and asked for nominations.

In addition, the judging panel reviewed performance statistics and other published information and identified prime candidates. The CEOs for these candidates were contacted and asked if they would nominate them.

The judging panel consisted of Greg Bright, economics writer and publisher Christopher Page from Rainmaker and Financial Standard David Coogan from PwC Christina Liosis from Telstra Super Greg O'Neill, managing director of La Trobe Financial and Jeff Bresnahan from SuperRatings. This provided a good cross-section of representatives from most aspects of the superannuation and investing industry.

The chief operations officer of the year was Stephen Rowbottom of Hostplus superannuation who, in addition to his operation officer's duties, had three months as the acting CEO of Hostplus last year. His award will help fund the masters in organisational leadership that he is undertaking.

Chief investment officer of the year was Steve Merlicek from IOOF. Before joining IOOF, Mr Merlicek had worked for many years with Telstra Super and rose to the position of chief investment officer with responsibility for investing $12 billion of members' funds.

Both award winners acknowledged the important contribution of the teams they headed in them being nominated and receiving the awards.

With most Australians' financial security in retirement depending on the quality of people in charge of their superannuation, these awards will be of increasing importance.