Under Ross’s leadership, RIAA has played a critical role in advancing responsible investment across Australasia. This has included RIAA’s ongoing focus on standards, certification, policy, advocacy and leading practice in responsible investment. Ross recently stepped down as Chief Executive of Superannuation at Australian Ethical and will shortly commence in a new leadership role in the development sector. He will remain on the RIAA Board for the next few months to support the transition.

“With shifting political, social and investment market dynamics, RIAA’s mission to align capital with a healthier society, environment and economy has never been more important,” says Ross. “It has been a privilege to serve on the RIAA Board over the past seven years, and to contribute to RIAA’s catalytic work in the growth and maturation of responsible investment.”

As Global Head of Responsible Investment at First Sentier Investors, Kate brings a strong legal background with deep expertise in sustainable finance and global experience. Kate’s commitment to advancing responsible investment practices is seen in her role as Chair of Investors Against Slavery and Trafficking APAC and her membership of the Advisory Group of the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative.

“I am delighted to take on the role of Board Chair, building on the strong legacy established by my predecessors,” says Kate. “I remain committed to working with the Board to ensure that RIAA delivers on our mission and continues to support members through our strong and collaborative membership platform.”

RIAA extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ross for his exceptional service and welcomes Kate as its new Chair.

(L to R): Dean Hegarty and Estelle Parker

The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) is pleased to unveil the appointment of Co-CEOs, Estelle Parker and Dean Hegarty to take up the leadership of the organisation, marking an important step for RIAA with dual CEO representation in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Following an extensive global search, the RIAA board proudly announces the promotion of two distinguished executives within RIAA, who will jointly take over as Co-CEOs upon the departure of current CEO, Simon O’Connor in early December 2023.

Over the past three years, Estelle Parker and Dean Hegarty have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing a more responsible and sustainable financial system as Executive Managers at RIAA. Their leadership has been instrumental in RIAA’s growth and impact, placing the organisation in a robust position today.

RIAA’s Chair, Ross Piper expressed, “The RIAA board is very pleased to announce the appointment of two proven and highly skilled executives as Co-CEOs. Estelle and Dean bring deep market knowledge, strong program delivery and commercial skills, as well as having demonstrated their leadership and expertise in responsible investment across our markets.”

The Co-CEO transition, effective upon Simon O’Connor’s departure, aligns with a comprehensive approach to ensure a cohesive and diverse leadership structure for RIAA. Ross stated, “Building on their deep existing relationships with our members and across other partners and government, Estelle and Dean’s collaboration is envisioned to provide solid momentum for advancing RIAA’s mission and strategy during a pivotal time for the sector’s growth.”

Ross emphasised RIAA’s ambitious mission to advance a financial system that aligns capital with a healthy and sustainable economy, society and environment, and the strong passion both Dean and Estelle have for driving this mission. He noted, “Their demonstrated success as an executive team, complemented by shared values, a strong working relationship, and a profound passion for RIAA’s mission, positions them ideally for the Co-CEO model.”

Estelle Parker has spearheaded the expansion and growth of the industry leading RIAA Certification Program. Her senior government diplomatic experience brings crucial expertise in government relations, policy making and many issues that responsible investors care about such as Human Rights and the SDGs. This is particularly crucial as the sector enters a period of responsible investment and sustainable finance legislative developments. Estelle has also been instrumental in leading critical external engagements, such as convening the official Australasian Consultation Group for the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), leading RIAA’s involvement in the Dhawura Ngilan Business and Investor Initiative on First Nations cultural heritage protection and participating in government stakeholder committees. She has established herself as a strong spokesperson for the

sector. Under her guidance, RIAA’s programs have achieved heightened levels of professionalism, impact, and value delivery to its members.

Dean Hegarty, RIAA’s first Aotearoa New Zealand-based executive, has played a pivotal role in enhancing the organisation’s presence and activity in both Australia and New Zealand, contributing to substantial growth and organisational changes. Dean brings over a decade of experience leading teams in the not-for-profit sector and his efforts have resulted in significant membership growth, a more than doubling in size of RIAA’s annual conferences in both Australia and New Zealand, developing key industry partnerships, and established himself as the voice of RIAA in New Zealand.

The RIAA board acknowledged the joint expertise of Estelle and Dean across program delivery, government relations, commercial acumen, and leadership in responsible investment, forming a robust foundation for their roles as Co-CEOs in RIAA’s next chapter.

Ross Piper expressed gratitude to RIAA members for their unwavering support and engagement, at this important time of transitioning to new leadership. Outgoing CEO, Simon O’Connor, is recognised for a decade of highly effective leadership, leaving a lasting positive impact on the Australian and New Zealand investment and financial services sectors. The board looks forward to building upon this legacy for the next phase of RIAA’s growth.

Graeme Arnott has been appointed to fill a vacancy on the board and Ross Piper has been appointed to replace Doug Carmichael.

Doug Carmichael has stepped down from the FEAL board following his recent retirement from Commonwealth Bank Group Super. In addition, Joe Farrugia will step down from the FEAL Board on his retirement from Catholic Super on 1 October 2019. Doug Carmichael will continue as Chair of the FEAL Program Committee – responsible for organising the annual FEAL National Conference and Executive Forum.

Commenting on the appointments, Jane Perry, Chair of FEAL, said that Graeme Arnott and Ross Piper had been chosen on the basis of their experience as well as their success at First State Super and Christian Super, two very diverse funds which vary widely in terms of size and membership.

“Ross Piper has a long history of serving not-for-profit as well as corporate businesses. His career began working with indigenous communities and the mining sector – he went on to become Head of Corporate Risk for Macquarie Group before moving back to a not-for-profit as COO of World Vision Australia. He is currently CEO of Christian Super, a role he has held since January 2019,” she said.

Jane Perry said that Graeme Arnott brings to the Board of FEAL extensive corporate experience, at First State Super, as CEO of StatePlus and currently as Deputy CEO of First State Super.

“Graeme is also a Fellow of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia and has been an active and passionate advocate for improving education and professional standards in financial planning.”

“Both Graeme and Ross have had long careers in superannuation and the not-for-profit sector – across a range of organisations and funds – and have a deep understanding of how best to offer our members professional development and education – and a new perspective on what such initiatives might look like,” she said.

Jane Perry went on to thank Joe Farrugia and Doug Carmichael for their contribution to the Board. Doug Carmichael has been a FEAL mentor as part of the FEAL Mentoring Initiative since 2015 and a Board member since 2018.

Joe Farrugia was appointed a founding FEAL Director in 1999 and served as Deputy Chair of the Board for the majority of his 20-year tenure.

“Joe’s contribution to FEAL cannot be overstated. He was made a Life Member of FEAL at the 2019 FEAL national conference, and it gives me great pleasure to publicly acknowledge his constant and guiding presence on the Board, and the pivotal role he has played in many of FEAL’s most important initiatives,” she said.

In conclusion, Jane Perry said that she is excited about the future of FEAL and the contribution she expects the new Directors to make.

“Superannuation, like financial services generally, is very much in the spotlight now, and in this period of constant change, professional development and on-going education is more important than ever.”

“I feel very confident that Graeme and Ross will make a significant contribution as we pursue our vision of being the chosen provider of leadership development for today’s executives and tomorrow’s leaders,” Jane Perry said.

Ross Piper

Robeco has been selected for a $100-million mandate by Christian Super for its Enhanced Indexing strategy. The expertise and experience of Robeco in integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria in investment decisions was an important factor in the decision.

Robeco Enhanced Indexing Equities is an alternative to passive investing for investors looking for stable outperformance after costs with a low tracking error, whilst integrating sustainability criteria.

Stephen Dennis, Head of Robeco Australia: “Robeco’s Enhanced Indexing strategies are a great solution for superannuation funds that want to integrate tailored sustainability preferences while enhancing market returns. Robeco has been a leader in sustainability investing for over two decades, managing over $160 billion globally on the basis of integrating ESG criteria in our investment process. We are delighted to offer this strategy to Australian superannuation funds looking for sustainable investment solutions and are looking forward to working with Christian Super to achieve their sustainable investment goals.”

Ross Piper, CEO of Christian Super: “Christian Super is delighted to be partnering with Robeco as we continue to deepen the integration of ESG factors across our investment portfolio.  Our organisations share a deep commitment to responsible investment, and a long track record of integrating sustainability factors into the way we invest.”

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Ross Piper

Robeco has been selected for a $100-million mandate by Christian Super for its Enhanced Indexing strategy. The expertise and experience of Robeco in integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria in investment decisions was an important factor in the decision.

Robeco Enhanced Indexing Equities is an alternative to passive investing for investors looking for stable outperformance after costs with a low tracking error, whilst integrating sustainability criteria.

Stephen Dennis, Head of Robeco Australia: “Robeco’s Enhanced Indexing strategies are a great solution for superannuation funds that want to integrate tailored sustainability preferences while enhancing market returns. Robeco has been a leader in sustainability investing for over two decades, managing over $160 billion globally on the basis of integrating ESG criteria in our investment process. We are delighted to offer this strategy to Australian superannuation funds looking for sustainable investment solutions and are looking forward to working with Christian Super to achieve their sustainable investment goals.”

Ross Piper, CEO of Christian Super: “Christian Super is delighted to be partnering with Robeco as we continue to deepen the integration of ESG factors across our investment portfolio.  Our organisations share a deep commitment to responsible investment, and a long track record of integrating sustainability factors into the way we invest.”

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