HESTA has appointed a head of portfolio design who joins from 16 years at Telstra Super, in a move aimed at strengthening the fund’s top-down investment capabilities.
In the newly-created role, Kate Misic will lead portfolio construction and risk analysis, alongside economic and capital markets research and portfolio overlays. The position sits within HESTA’s investment leadership team and reports directly to chief investment officer Sonya Sawtell-Rickson.
Misic joins from Telstra Super, where she has served as acting chief investment officer since March 2025. She joined the fund in 2010 as head of alternative investments and real assets, adding on leadership for real assets in December 2022.
Prior to her time at Telstra Super, she held roles as a senior portfolio analyst at Warakirri Asset Management and investment analyst at Frontier Investment Consulting and Wilshire Australia.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey, who will be departing later this year, said the appointment reflects the fund’s continued focus on deepening investment expertise.
“We’re excited to welcome Kate to HESTA, who brings a strong track record in investments. This is a critical role within our investment team and we’re confident Kate’s expertise will help us continue to deliver the strong long-term returns our members deserve.”
Sawtell-Rickson highlighted Misic’s breadth of experience across asset classes and market environments, noting it would be instrumental as HESTA continues to refine its total portfolio approach.
“Kate has broad and deep experience navigating a range of market conditions and asset classes, including internal management, which will be invaluable for HESTA as we continue to leverage our total portfolio approach,” she said.
“Her deep knowledge and trusted leadership will be invaluable as we continue to evolve, internalise and strengthen our investment strategy for the benefit of our members.”
Earlier this month, the super fund promoted Jeff Brunton as deputy chief investment officer. He will hold this role as well as his existing role as head of portfolio management which he has held at the $100 billion fund since July 2021.
It also announced ESSSuper chief executive, Robby Campo, will take over from Blakey as chief executive from August.
