The Australian Retirement Trust (ART) has made new appointments to its board of directors and investment committee.
The appointments would bring vast experience from leadership positions in global financial services, investments and governance roles.
Linda Apelt would join as a director of the ART board, effective 27 January 2023.
Currently chair of Opera Queensland and a member of Griffith University Council, Apelt previously served as a director on the QSuper Board of Trustees for four years.
She previously held the role of Agent-General for Queensland in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland Trade and Investment Commissioner for Queensland in Europe and Sub-Sahara Africa.
Mark Burgess would join mid-2023 as a director of the ART board and member of the investment committee after completing his term as HESTA investment committee chair and independent director in June.
He was a former managing director of the Future Fund and held roles as both chief executive and chief investment officer for major investors and financial institutions internationally and in Australia.
The appointments would replace vacancies that arose on the board in late 2022.
Additionally, Dr Guy Debelle was appointed external adviser to the ART investment committee, effective 25 February 2023.
He would bring over 25 years of experience working at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), including as deputy governor for six years.
He was a former chief financial officer and director at Fortescue Future Industries and previously chaired the climate change working group of the Australian Council of Financial Regulators.
“All three of our new appointees are exceptional leaders in their own right and we’re proud to have them join Australian Retirement Trust,” said ART chair Andrew Fraser.
“As we seek to invest more than $240 billion on behalf of 2.2 million members who trust us with their retirement savings, these new appointments bring a wealth of experience in investment markets, and in critical areas of focus and opportunity.
“The collective national and international experience and insight of our new appointees will benefit the fund as we seek returns in Australia and abroad.
“We look forward to the contribution of these high-calibre leaders in helping Australian Retirement Trust deliver on our vision to be Australia’s most chosen and trusted retirement partner.”
