First Sentier adds to C-suite, hires from Rabobank

First Sentier Group has appointed a former Rabobank executive as chief people officer.

Belinda Webber will take on the role as the global asset manager continues to strengthen its leadership team and deepen its focus on talent and organisational performance.

Webber will join the executive committee on August 31 and report directly to chief executive Harry Moore. Based in Sydney, she will be responsible for shaping the firm's people strategy and supporting the development of what First Sentier describes as a more connected, high-performing and client focused organisation.

Moore said Webber's experience would be instrumental as the business pursues its long-term growth agenda.

"Belinda is a highly experienced and respected leader with deep expertise in building high-performing businesses," Moore said.

"Her track record in aligning people strategy to business outcomes will be critical as we continue to invest in our people and deliver on our long-term growth ambitions," he said.

Webber joins from Rabobank, where she served as group executive and chief human resources officer, overseeing human resources and corporate affairs across Australia and New Zealand. She brings more than 25 years of experience spanning financial services, technology and consumer goods, having previously held senior leadership roles at Commonwealth Bank, PepsiCo, Microsoft and ANZ bank.

In her new role, she will work closely with senior leaders across the organisation to attract, develop and retain talent globally.

The appointment follows the decision of current chief people and culture officer Adele Swan to step down after the role was relocated from Edinburgh to Sydney. First Sentier said the move was designed to strengthen engagement and collaboration between the chief executive and the people leadership function.

The appointment marks the latest leadership change at First Sentier. Earlier this year, the $218 billion asset manager promoted long serving executive Peter Heine to the head of institutional business across Australia and New Zealand. Heine, who has spent 13 years with the firm, now oversees the institutional sales team and client relationships across both markets after previously managing institutional client relationships for three years.