HESTA adds operations expert

HESTA has appointed a Citi operations expert to help optimise every part of its investment value chain.

The industry fund for health and community service workers has hired Sophie Jelleff as its new head of investment execution.

In her role, Jelleff will collaborate closely with HESTA's executive and investment management teams to shape and lead its investment execution strategies.

The role was previously held by Gerard Brown, who was appointed in July 2019 and departed in 2023.

With over 25 years of extensive investment experience, including leadership roles at Citi and JP Morgan, Jellef brings a wealth of expertise to her new position.

Stints with National Australia Bank and BNY Mellon have further honed her strategic insight and global perspective in financial markets.

Specifically, Jelleff ran asset servicing operations for NAB, where she was responsible for $580 billion of assets under custody,

She also spent 14 years at JP Morgan most recently as executive director of investor services at the firm's corporate and investment business.

Earlier, she was vice president of corporate development structuring and structuring and managing deals.

HESTA chief executive Debby Blakey underlined the significance of Jelleff's arrival in leading and shaping the investment operating model.

"Her appointment signals our commitment to further strengthening HESTA's investment capabilities and delivering the best financial returns for members."

The superannuation fund's operating chief Stephen Reilly said the appointment reflects the importance of enhancing the firm's investment operating platform for current and future multi-asset class investment management activities and ultimately delivering positive outcomes for members.

"Sophie's leadership and operations experience, domestically and globally, will benefit members and align with HESTA's commitment to investment excellence," he said.

Commenting on her appointment, Jelleff said she was 'thrilled"to be joining HESTA and helping to deliver exceptional investment outcomes for its one million plus members.