Equity Trustees to appoint Jeff Kennett as Chair

Equity Trustees (EQT) has announced its intention to appoint former Victorian Premier and current EQT director, Jeff Kennett, as the the firm's new chair.

Kennett will take up the role on the retirement of current chair Tony Killen OAM at EQT's annual meeting in October, subject to Kennett's re-election to the board.

Kennett is currently a director of Seven West Media and chair of The Torch, a program helping indigenous men and women while incarcerated and post their release. He is also the founder of beyondblue, the national depression, anxiety and suicide initiative, and served as the organisation's chair from 2000 to 2017.

Commenting on his likely successor, Killen said: "Jeff has been a director of EQT for nine years and...has developed a deep knowledge of the business as well as demonstrating great vision and passion for our clients and philanthropic endeavours. Jeff is strongly positioned to assume the chairmanship of EQT and help drive the company's next stage of growth."

Kennett added: "It is an honour to be invited to chair a company with such a proud history and promising future. EQT is a special corporation that fulfils an important role in Australia, being trusted with the independent care and administration of people's wealth, often when they are most vulnerable."

In thanking Killen for his ten years as chair, Kennett said: "Tony has been instrumental in re-shaping EQT and positioning it to thrive in its markets...we thank Tony for his invaluable and dedicated service to the company."