Since the emergence of “Modern Portfolio Theory” and the “Capital Asset Pricing Model” in the late 1960s, institutional investors have taken a quantitatively driven approach to portfolio construction, looking to create portfolio diversification and obtain better risk-adjusted returns by balancing their asset-class exposures. This journey has seen several important advancements in thinking about how to optimally achieve desired results.
Funds that want to take the total portfolio approach first need to get the total portfolio view. To do that they not only need data – and lots of it – but a rock-solid understanding of exactly how they’re going to use it.
HESTA hires from Citi for investment execution head
Sophie Jelleff has been appointed HESTA’s new head of investment execution, effective April 8. She joins from Citi, where she was head of securities services operations for Australia and New Zealand, and takes over the role from Gerard Brown, who left the fund in 2023.
“Sophie’s extensive experience in investment operations will undoubtedly bring value to HESTA’s members,” said HESTA CEO Debby Blakey. “Her appointment signals our commitment to further strengthening HESTA’s investment capabilities and delivering the best financial returns for members.”
Jelleff has more than 25 years of investment experience, and has also held roles with NAB, J.P. Morgan and BNY Mellon. In the new role, she’ll “collaborate closely” with HESTA’s executive and investment management teams while “shaping and leading the fund’s investment execution strategies”.
“I am thrilled to be joining HESTA and helping to deliver exceptional investment outcomes for its one million plus members,” Jelleff said.
HESTA chief operating officer Stephen Reilly said the appointment reflected the importance of enhancing the fund’s investment operation platform for “current and future multi-asset class investment management activities” and delivering best outcomes for members.
“Sophie’s leadership and operations experience, domestically and globally, will benefit members and align with HESTA’s commitment to investment excellence,” Reilly said.
