HESTA adds head of portfolio design
Former AustralianSuper investment committee member and longtime RBA senior manager Stephanie Weston has joined HESTA as head of portfolio design. The role is part of a redefined investment leadership structure for the fund.
"Our new investment leadership team structure is part of our ambitious and broad strategy to internalise asset management and continue delivering excellent performance for our members over the long term," said HESTA CIO Sonya Sawtell-Rickson.
Weston has significant investment experience, including spending the last five years on the AustralianSuper investment committee as an independent member and investment management roles with Genworth Australia and AMP.
In her role with HESTA, Weston will look after portfolio construction and provide risk analysis, economic and market research, and strategic tilting.
"Stephanie's appointment will enhance an already innovative and leading investment team that has strong plans for growth," said HESTA CEO Debby Blakey.
"We need the right blend of expertise, capability and seniority to foster the development and growth of the Investments function and keep delivering strong returns for our members, especially as our Fund size grows."
Weston said she is excited to join the team at HESTA. "The current investment environment is challenging; so it is the right time to be focussing on overall portfolio design, and thinking about how to optimise risk-adjusted returns.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has made me even more aware of how critical nurses and other service providers are to our communities. I am inspired to do the best I can to help HESTA's members meet their retirement goals."
