HESTA appoints Head of Investment Execution

HESTA has announced the appointment of Gerard Brown as the $50 billion super fund's head of investment execution, effective 29 July 2019.

Brown, who has over 30 years' experience in the financial services sector, has led large scale cross-functional global operating teams and has been responsible for transformational projects involving redesigning investment operating models and executing complex technology solutions, HESTA said. Most recently he served as program director at BNP Paribas.

Commenting on his appointment, HESTA chief investment officer, Sonya Sawtell-Rickson, said: "Gerard will be responsible for designing and implementing a fit-for-purpose investment operating platform and framework, with a strong focus on building our internal asset management capability."

She added: "We're looking at significant system implementations in the coming years. This role focuses on supporting effective investment execution of the Fund's current and future multi-asset class investment management activities."

Brown will take over leading the investment execution function from Rob Fowler, who is moving into semi-retirement.