CareSuper hires strategy head from HESTA

CareSuper, the $20 billion superannuation fund has appointed Cindy Ponder-Budd head of investment strategy.

In the newly created role, she will be responsible for developing and managing the investment strategy and asset allocation functions of the investment team.

Ponder-Budd brings to the team more than 20 years of experience in financial markets - having held several senior roles in portfolio management and investment strategy in the US, Asia, and Australia.

She joins the superannuation fund that services professional, managerial, and administration workers from HESTA, where she spent three years as the market strategist.

Before that, Ponder-Budd served as the chief equity and commodity strategist at View from the Peak - an independent investment firm in Hong Kong.

Earlier in her career, she worked as a portfolio manager at Rohatyn Group Corus Capital Management and Moore Capital Management.

CareSuper investment chief Suzanne Branton said Ponder-Budd's extensive experience in portfolio management and investment strategy will strongly augment the investment team's capabilities.

"We are delighted to have Cindy join us, and her appointment marks an important step in the continued growth of our team," she said.

"Her leadership of our investment strategy function is a significant milestone in the ongoing development of CareSuper's investment program."

Ponder-Budd's appointment follows the recent employment of Claire Molinari, who joined the $20 billion industry fund as the head of ESG last month.