POWERED BY MOMENTUM MEDIA
HESTA names new chief risk officer
The industry fund has appointed Natalie Alford as its new chief risk officer, strengthening its executive team during a period of transformation.
Alford will commence with her new role with HESTA on Monday, 3 November 2025, joining the fund from Equip Super, where she served as chief risk officer since 2017. Alford brings extensive experience in risk management and regulatory compliance, HESTA stated.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said Alford’s appointment would support the group’s ongoing focus on risk ownership and management during a period of significant industry transformation.
“Natalie brings deep industry knowledge and extensive experience leading risk functions that will be invaluable as we continue to implement our risk management framework to support members,” Blakey said.
“Her proven track record in delivering complex transformation projects and extensive regulatory experience make her a fantastic addition to the executive team as we navigate an increasingly complex environment.”
The appointment follows former chief risk officer Andrew Major taking on a newly created advisory role in June, where he has worked closely with HESTA’s investments leaders and advised on the fund’s investment strategy.
Alford joins HESTA with over 17 years of superannuation experience, having overseen risk management, compliance, legal, and governance functions. She has also held regulatory roles at the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).
“I’m excited to join HESTA and contribute to its mission of helping members face the future with confidence,” Alford said.
“Robust risk management is crucial to ensuring the fund continues to deliver sustainable long-term results for its members and I look forward to driving this ongoing work.”
Ruvimbo Tagwira will continue to lead the risk function in the interim until Alford commences in November.
AUTHOR
Adrian Suljanovic
Recommended for you
The industry body has cautioned the government against implementing unnecessary regulations for private market investments, with ASIC currently exploring reforms in this space.
The Super Members Council has outlined a bold reform plan to boost productivity, lift retirement savings, and unlock super’s full potential.
Women beginning their careers in 2025 could retire with hundreds of thousands of dollars more in super due to the 12 per cent super guarantee rate, HESTA modelling shows.
The two funds have announced the signing of a non-binding MOU to explore a potential merger.
TOP PERFORMING FUNDS
ACS FIXED INT - AUSTRALIA/GLOBAL BOND
Fund name
3y(%)pa
1
DomaCom DFS Mortgage
88.01 3 y p.a(%)
2
Global X 21Shares Bitcoin ETF
72.60 3 y p.a(%)
3
Global X GlobalX FANG+ ETF
44.46 3 y p.a(%)
4
Pengana High Conviction Equities B
39.12 3 y p.a(%)
5
Pengana High Conviction Equities A
39.05 3 y p.a(%)
