HESTA appoints new heads of risk and finance

HESTA has announced the appointment of James Haviland as head of risk, commencing August 24, and John O'Sullivan as head of finance and tax and deputy chief financial officer, commencing in November.

Haviland will lead HESTA's risk function, reporting directly to chief risk officer Natalie Alford, and joins from BankVic, where he served as chief risk officer since September 2023.

Haviland brings over 25 years' experience in banking, financial services and superannuation, specialising in risk, assurance and governance.

"James's technical expertise and depth of experience managing risk across financial services makes him a terrific addition to the team. As the fund grows, his proven leadership will help ensure our risk capability keeps pace and continues to serve our members well into the future," Alford said.

Speaking on his appointment, Haviland added: "It's a privilege to be joining HESTA to help protect and grow the retirement savings of its members. I'm looking forward to bringing my experience managing risk to help continue to improve enterprise performance, risk outcomes and member value."

As head of finance and tax and deputy chief financial officer, O'Sullivan will lead HESTA's financial strategy and reporting, tax and procurement functions, bringing greater data and insights to decision-making as the fund continues to evolve its operating model, HESTA said.

The role reports directly to chief financial officer Natalie Kelly.

O'Sullivan will join HESTA from Rest Super, where he has served as chief financial officer since January 2024, leading the fund's financial reporting, regulatory reporting, actuarial, tax, unlisted asset valuations and investment operations teams as well as having accountability for Internal Audit.

He brings over 25 years' experience, including 15 years at EY Australia, across banking, insurance and superannuation.

"John's track record in leading finance, tax and regulatory reporting at one of Australia's largest super funds speaks for itself. As HESTA continues to grow, having someone with his deep expertise and leadership experience will be an asset to help us better deliver for our members," Kelly said.

O'Sullivan added: "It's a privilege to have the opportunity to support improving the long-term financial future of HESTA's more than one million members, many of whom spend their working lives making a difference to their communities in health and community services."