Rest announces departure of 2 directors

Rest has announced the departure of two directors, sparking a search to fill the two vacancies on its board.

Sally Evans, who joined in May 2018, has left in order to concentrate her professional focus on improving products and services for older Australians and the senior community, the fund said.

Evans was a member of Rest’s investment committee and risk committee and was an employer-nominated director, nominated by Super Retail Group.

She will conclude her board term on 31 July 2024.

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“Sally’s decision, while bittersweet for us, reflects her unwavering commitment to improving the wellbeing of Australians in retirement,” said Rest chair James Merlino.

“We wish Sally well as she dedicates herself fully to the next stage of her career with the goal of making a positive impact on the lives of older Australians.”

Meanwhile, Julia Fox, who joined the board in January 2018, will be departing the fund to join the Fair Work Commission as its newest commissioner.

She had been nominated to the board by the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) and will leave on 26 May 2024 to take up her new position on 27 May 2024.

“We’re incredibly proud of Julia’s appointment, which is a testament to her expertise and the high regard in which she is held across the industry and more widely,” said Merlino.

“Julia’s deep understanding of the experience of working people and the systems and policy settings that support their dignified retirement has been hugely significant for Rest.”

He described the directors as “instrumental” in shaping Rest into the fund it is today.

“On behalf of our 2 million members and the entire Rest team, I’d like to recognise and thank both Julia and Sally for their years of exceptional service,” Merlino said.

The departures come as a part of the natural progression of a stable and well-managed board, he said, and a search has begun for two new directors, in line with Rest’s director recruitment and nomination process.

Earlier this month, the fund announced the newly created role of chief people officer, welcoming Amy Murrell to the role.

She has been with the fund since 2021, joining as general manager for people and culture.

Over the last three years, she played a crucial role in developing the fund’s employee-centred culture and was instrumental in creating its values and behaviours framework.

In the new role, she will report to Vicki Doyle, CEO of the $80 billion fund.