King's honours list lauds two super fund chiefs

The chief executives of Hostplus and Hesta were among the leaders that have been recognised in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours List for their outstanding achievements in the superannuation industry.

For the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division, Hesta chief executive Debby Blakey was lauded for her "significant service to the superannuation sector, and to corporate governance."

Blakey has been with the fund for more than 17 years, including 11 years as chief executive. She first joined in 2008 as executive manager, member advice. Between 2012 and 2015 she served as deputy chief executive before taking on the top job, succeeding Anne-Marie Corboy.

Blakey will step down in August as chief executive and will be replaced with Robbie Campo.

Hostplus chief executive David Elia was also recognised in this category for his "significant service to the superannuation industry through executive roles."

Elia has been in the top job since 2003 and is also a director of the Super Members Council (SMC).

Owen Kilpatrick, the former chair of the Nationwide Superannuation Fund between 2004 and2013, received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his services to rugby league and superannuation.

Receiving a Member of the Order of Australia, APRA deputy chair Margaret Cole was recognised for her "significant service to finance through regulatory reform in the industry," having first worked with the regulator as a board member in 2021.

Cole was named deputy chair in 2022 and will step down from the position on June 30.

Elsewhere in financial services, Deborah Coakley, the managing director of real estate at QIC, received an AM, for her contribution to business in the property and investment sectors.

Coakley has been in the role since October 2024 and before that was an executive director at Dexus Asset Management for nearly five years. She is currently the chair of the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

Dexus chair Warwick Negus was among the AM recipients this year for his "significant service to the not-for-profit, education and financial sectors."

Negus is also the chancellor at the University of New South Wales, a role he was appointed to last December.