Fund People Update

New Appointments

HESTA welcomes first head of portfolio design

Stephanie Watson is the first head of portfolio design at HESTA, moving across from AustralianSuper’s Investment Committee amongst other industry roles. The new role is set to build new teams and capabilities for direct management of a significant pool of assets.

JBWere to add 50 new bankers and financial advisers

NAB has announced its intention to add 50 new bankers and financial advisers to the team at JBWere. The overarching strategy is to offer high net worth clients a single point of access for wealth management. The bank also has a new accredited banking career pathway, offering ongoing support for career paths in the industry.

First State Super poaches Hostplus executive manager

Helen Wood has moved from Hostplus in an executive manager of client relationships and business growth role to First State Super as regional manager.

Australian Unity executive shuffle

Esther Kerr-Smith is now the chief executive for wealth and capital markets, as David Bryant resigns. Kerr-Smith has been with Australian Unity since 2017 as the group executive for finance and strategy. Darren Mann has been appointed as the new group executive for finance and strategy, and chief financial officer. Mann has been with the company since 2012.

Equity Trustees appoints independent director

George Zielinski has been appointed to Equity Trustees’ board as an independent director to the group’s two superannuation boards, Equity Trustees Superannuation Limited and HTFS Nominees Pty Ltd.

Rest appoints CIO

Andrew Lill is the new chief investment officer at Rest superannuation, moving from Morningstar Investment Management. This is the inaugural position at the company of CIO. Simon Esposito will continue as the deputy chief investment officer.

Departures

Ian Perkins passes away

Financial services veteran Ian Perkins has sadly died suddenly from a heart attack on June 29. Perkins contributed extensively to the financial services industry, and had a long and successful career. A tribute by colleagues remembered him as a well-loved and open-hearted person who will be sorely missed.

SMSF Association loses head of technical

Peter Hogan, head of technical at the SMSF Association, is to retire at the end of September. Hogan has had a long, successful career contributing to the financial services industry, with roles at MLC, Ernst & Young, the Australian Tax Office (ATO), Macquarie Bank, Colonial First State and Mercer.

IFM Investors loses equities co-head

Neil Carter, the global co-head of listed equities, has resigned after eight years to pursue other interests. Aidan Puddy is the other co-head.