20 August 2026
HESTA has today announced the appointment of James Haviland as Head of Risk, commencing on Monday 24 August 2026, and John O'Sullivan, as Head of Finance and Tax and Deputy Chief Financial Officer (CFO), commencing in November 2026.
Mr Haviland will lead HESTA's Risk function, reporting directly to Chief Risk Officer Natalie Alford, and joins from BankVic, where he has served as Chief Risk Officer since September 2023.
Mr Haviland brings over 25 years' experience in banking, financial services and superannuation, specialising in risk, assurance and governance. He has significant international experience from time spent in the UK, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Economics from Monash University and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investments from Financial Services Institute of Australasia.
HESTA’s Ms Alford said: “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.”
Mr Haviland said: "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 the Head of Finance and Tax and Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Mr 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. The role reports directly to Chief Financial Officer, Natalie Kelly.
Mr 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, and is a qualified actuary and Fellow of the UK Institute of Actuaries, graduate of AICD, holding a Bachelor of Science in Financial & Actuarial Maths from Dublin City University and the Chartered Enterprise Risk Actuary (CERA) qualification.
HESTA’s Ms Kelly said: "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.”
Mr O'Sullivan said: “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.”
Ends.