Former Rest CIO joins Equity Trustees board

Equity Trustees has appointed former Rest Super Investment Management (SIM) founder and CIO, George Zielinski, as an independent director to the boards of Equity Trustees Superannuation Limited (ETSL) and HTFS Nominees Pty Ltd.

The move comes after ETSL was named the superannuation trustee for AMP Life's superannuation funds.

Equity Trustees managing director Mick O'Brien spoke highly of Zielinski's reputation in the industry. "Most recently he was appointed interim CIO of Rest to assist the $57bn fund through restructuring its investment governance framework, but his association goes back to 1997 when he established Super Investment Management (SIM) to act as a wholly owned arms-length investment manager of Rest which at the time had assets of $1.3bn."

Zielinski has held roles with VFMC and SECV Super, which is now EquipSuper. Outside of the finance space, Zielinski spent a decade in the energy sector and was involved in the creation of five electricity distribution businesses following the restructure of SECV.

Tony Lally is the chair of both ETSL and HTFS, congratulated George on his appointment and said he was excited about the experiences the former CIO brings to the board. "The role of a skilled superannuation trustee is critical to a robust, secure superannuation system and requires leaders who understand the dynamics of investment and member outcomes and the technical complexities of governance and regulation.

"Recent market volatility and the impacts of COVID-19, including unprecedented numbers of people accessing part of their superannuation early, alongside an inherently complex regulatory environment means that now more than ever, specialist superannuation trustee experience is essential," said Lally.