Australian Unity hires from HESTA

After close to 17 years with HESTA, the mainstay will take on a new role as chief investment officer at Australian Unity.

After closed to 17 years with HESTA, Andrew Major will join Australian Unity as chief investment officer in the wealth and capital markets division.

Major held a number of roles at HESTA over his tenure, including chief risk officer and more recently acting as a strategic advisor for the investments function.

"After 17 years at HESTA, riding the wave of growth and evolution in the superannuation sector, the time has come for me to jump into a new role as chief investment officer in the Wealth and Capital Markets division at Australian Unity," Major said on LinkedIn.

"My journey at HESTA has shaped my professional capabilities in ways I couldn't have imagined when I started back in 2009, and I am eternally grateful for the connections made, knowledge gained, and experiences shared during this time across the superannuation sector and global investment markets.

"I am excited to continue to support HESTA member outcomes as a board director for two of HESTA's strategic investments. In my new position, I am focused on leveraging this experience to drive strategic and investment outcomes for the Australian Unity group, its members, and clients."

A HESTA spokesperson wished Major every success in his new role.

"Andrew has made an outstanding contribution over many years, including as chief risk officer and most recently in his advisory role supporting our investment strategy," the spokesperson told Financial Standard.

"His commitment to members, deep expertise and institutional knowledge have helped position HESTA strongly for the years ahead."

In January, Australian Unity announced Joe Fernandes would step down from his role as executive general manager - funds management and group chief investment officer.

At the time, Australian Unity said Fernandes played a pivotal role in leading and transforming Australian Unity's funds management businesses.

Fernandes went on to join Future Group as chief investment officer.