Top VFMC executive exits

Victorian Funds Management Corporation's head of people has left the quasi-sovereign wealth fund after nearly six years.

Johanna Neilsen joined VFMC in late 2018 specifically to take up that role.

"Johanna has made a significant contribution to VFMC in that time, having led VFMC's gender equality strategy, leading to multiple awards and being instrumental to the resilience of VFMC as a whole," said VFMC chief executive Kate Galvin.

The chief executive added that the recruitment process for Neilsen's replacement will start in the second half of the year.

The outgoing chief people officer has had a long career managing people and culture for industry funds.

Neilsen arrived at VFMC from Cbus Super where she spent nine years developing and leading the people strategy, initiatives, and practices as part of the executive team.

Before that, she spent six years at ESSSuper and worked in human resources teams in manufacturing and professional services.

Commenting on her departure, Neilsen said it was time to call it quits - time to press pause and see what is next.

"I am excited to see what opportunities are next for my career."

She said that after nearly six years as head of people, she finished her contract, leaving a successful program of people strategies and initiatives for the team.

"I have been very privileged to be part of the VFMC story over that time. It has been wonderful to have had the opportunity to lead the people strategy and initiatives that have supported and developed this fantastic, talented team over this time."

"To the talented people team, what can I say - thank you seems too small. It's been the best of times, even in the hardest of times."

Neilsen stated it was a reflection of the commitment of the leadership team that VFMC is now known as a leader for gender equality.

She went on to say that with a 50/50 gender split overall and 44 per cent women within the investment team, VFMC was ranked top for gender equality in 2023 in sovereign funds globally by the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum.