He has taken over leading the investment execution function from Rob Fowler who is moving into semi-retirement.
HESTA chief investment officer Sonya Sawtell-Rickson said the new position will lead investment execution and report directly to her as a member of the HESTA senior leadership team.
The role will oversee the middle and back-office functions of the investment team and facilitate a partnership between the execution and investment management arms of the fund’s internal investment division.
“We’re looking at significant system implementations in the coming years. This role focuses on supporting effective investment execution of the fund’s current and future multi-asset class investment management activities,” Ms Sawtell-Rickson said.
“Gerard will be responsible for designing and implementing a fit-for-purpose investment operating platform and framework, with a strong focus on building our internal asset management capability.
“Gerard has extensive experience and knowledge in investment operations and investment systems, which will boost our internal asset management capability.”
Mr Brown has more than 30 years’ experience working in the financial services sector. Before HESTA, he worked at BNP Paribas as program director and has held executive positions in the investment and funds management sector.
Ms Satwell-Rickson added on the fund’s past head of investment execution Mr Fowler: “Rob has made an enormous contribution to our members, initially as chief investment officer for more than a decade and more recently overseeing our investment execution and responsible investment activities.
“During this time Rob has significantly developed the investment capability at HESTA, to support the continued delivery of strong, competitive, long-term returns for our members.”
