HESTA hires head of portfolio management from AMP Life

HESTA has appointed former AMP Life deputy chief investment officer Jeff Brunton as its new head of portfolio management.

Brunton said that he has mixed emotions on the move. "It's both a happy and sad day for me today.

"It's my last day at Resolution Life. It's been an absolute honour and career highlight to work with Megan Beer, Greg Bird, Mark Griffiths and the investment team to first separate from AMP Group and then stand up a brand new investment capability. I know I am leaving mid-course but I have no doubt that the Resolution Life investment team will be very successful and I wish you all the best for the future of looking after policyholders.

"I am very excited to be joining HESTA as Head of Portfolio Management and to help Sonya Sawtell-Rickson and the investment team build for the future for such an important membership base."

Brunton has held a variety of roles with AMP Capital and AMP Life over the last dozen years. He was the senior investment director for the AMP Group, leading the investment thought leadership and insights capabilities. He was named chief investment officer for AMP Life in 2019, a role he held for a year before becoming deputy CIO. Brunton has also held roles with QIC including head of global credit and has been an executive director on the board of ipac Asset Management Ltd.

HESTA chief investment officer Sony Satwell-Rickson said the appointment, which is part of a broader internalisation strategy of its Australian equities functions, will help the fund deliver stronger investment outcomes for members. "Jeff brings a wealth of experience investing across a broad range of asset classes and leading direct asset management teams," she said. "His strong commercial acumen and real passion to drive investment outcomes for HESTA members is a fantastic addition to the team."

In his new role, Brunton will lead internal and implemented teams covering growth, defensive, and unlisted asset classes. "HESTA has a long and proud history of delivering strong financial outcomes for generations of our hard-working members. I'm delighted to welcome Jeff to the team as we move forward with our ambitious plans for growth," said Sawtell-Rickson.