HESTA poaches responsible investing specialist from Hostplus

Kim Farrant has joined HESTA as general manager of responsible investment.

HESTA chief investment officer Sonya Sawtell Rickson said Farrant cements HESTA's position as a leader in responsible investing. "HESTA has pioneered an award-winning impact investment program and responsible investment framework that contribute positively to global sustainable development goals while delivering strong long-term financial returns for members," she said.

"Kim's wealth of expertise across environmental, social and corporate governance will support HESTA to continue its important work."

Farrant joins from Hostplus where she spent just over a year as head of ESG. She previously was a portfolio manager for VicSuper and was a director of EY's climate change and sustainability services area.

Farrant said she is excited to join HESTA's team, leveraging the fund's investments to enact change. "Rio Tinto's destruction of the Juukan Gorge caves and the AMP sexual harassment scandal highlight the need for investors to manage environmental, social and governance issues appropriately to protect and enhance long-term value for super fund members.

"HESTA has been a leader in responsible investing for many years and I'm looking forward to continuing this work, which will make a real difference to members' financial futures."

Farrant starts in her new role on 12 July. A Hostplus spokesperson said they are currently recruiting for a replacement.