HESTA has appointed ESSSuper chief executive Robbie Campo as its next chief executive, with the $100 billion profit-to-member fund confirming she will take the reins as Debby Blakey prepares to hand over leadership.
The industry fund said the appointment followed a search and interview process, with chair Nicola Roxon saying Campo’s 26-year career across the superannuation sector made her a strong fit to lead HESTA through its next phase of growth.
“Robbie brings extensive experience across executive and CEO roles, leading organisations, big and small, through complex regulatory, operational and investment environments to deliver better outcomes for members,” Roxon said.
“As HESTA grows beyond more than one million members and $100 billion in assets, Robbie’s skills will position her well to lead the Fund as it enters an exciting new chapter – striving always to help our members feel confident, connected and well prepared for the future.
“Alongside our shared commitment to improving the financial futures of working people, particularly women, Robbie’s an inspiring leader who will bring fresh eyes and new energy to amplifying the positive impact HESTA has for generations of our members.”
Campo is currently chief executive of ESSSuper and has previously held senior roles including group executive of brand, engagement, advocacy and product at Cbus and deputy chief executive of Industry Super Australia.
She also serves as chair of Women in Super and has previously been a non-executive director of Victoria Legal Aid and a director at Industry Fund Services.
Campo said she was honoured to take on the top job at a fund whose membership is overwhelmingly female, with HESTA noting 80 per cent of members are women and predominantly work in health and community services.
“I am thrilled to be appointed as HESTA’s CEO, a role which will allow me to continue my passion for improving the economic security of Australians and, in particular, improving retirement outcomes for women,” Campo said.
“HESTA is a top performing fund with a proud history of constant and courageous advocacy, global leadership in responsible investment and a strong track record of supporting its members.
“The nurses, carers, educators, and community service workers that make up the Fund contribute so much to the community, and it will be an honour to help them achieve a more secure retirement.”
“I look forward to building on the Fund’s very strong foundations, and to receiving the baton from such a high-impact leader as Debby.”
Campo will begin in August, with HESTA saying the timing will support a smooth transition from Blakey, who welcomed the appointment.
“I’ve had the opportunity of working with Robbie over many years on improving the super system for women and working Australians. I am thrilled I will have the privilege of handing over to Robbie as the incoming CEO in August, and feel confident she will lead the Fund from strength to strength,” Blakey said.
ESSSuper has also confirmed it will begin a search for a new chief executive, with board president Pam Rebecca saying Campo’s appointment to lead HESTA reflected both her standing in the sector and the work she had done at the Victorian public sector fund over the past four years.
“It is with a great deal of pride for Robbie that we make this announcement. We were the first organisation to have the benefit of Robbie’s leadership as CEO.
“Her appointment by HESTA is a recognition of her impeccable character, leadership skills and expertise, while also reflecting well on the work she has done leading ESSSuper for the past four years.
“Her focus on delivering strong member outcomes has been done with her characteristic warm, collaborative and engaging style. She has built a strong, capable and outcomes focused team. Our organisation is now primed to take further steps to implement our strategic priorities,” Rebecca said.
She said ESSSuper would conduct a thorough executive search but has a strong executive team in place to support a seamless handover.
“While Robbie will be deeply missed by staff, stakeholders and the Board, it is a fitting recognition of her expertise and reputation within the sector that she has been appointed to lead HESTA, one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds.”
