Home / News / Burgess, Debelle join ART

Burgess, Debelle join ART

ART has recruited HESTA's investment committee chair as his term ends and the former deputy governor of the RBA.
News

Former Future Fund managing director Mark Burgess (pictured) will join Australian Retirement Trust as a director of its board and a member of the investment committee in mid-2023. He currently chairs the investment committee of HESTA and will join after his term concludes.

Also joining as a director is Linda Apelt, formerly the agent-general for Queensland in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland and investment commissioner for Queensland in Europe and Sub-Sahara Africa. Guy Debelle, the former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, will also join ART as an external adviser. He was previously chief financial officer of Fortescue Future Industries and remains a director, and also chair the climate change working group of the Australian Council of Financial Regulators.

“As we seek to invest more than $240 billion on behalf of 2.2 million members who trust us with their retirement savings, these new appointments bring a wealth of experience in investment markets, and in critical areas of focus and opportunity,” said ART chair Andrew Fraser.

“The collective national and international experience and insight of our new appointees will benefit the fund as we seek returns in Australia and abroad. We look forward to the contribution of these high-calibre leaders in helping ART deliver on our vision to be Australia’s most chosen and trusted retirement partner.”

Burgess’ departure from the HESTA board was announced just hours prior to his appointment at ART. At HESTA, Burgess helped oversee the fund’s creation of internal investment capabilities for Australian equities, fixed income and cash.

“When Mark joined us, we were appointing a new CIO and were embarking on a bold and exciting vision for the future of investments at HESTA,” said HESTA CEO Debby Blakey. “Mark has been a much-valued source of insight and guidance over many years that’s supported us to keep building the capacity of our investment team to deliver strong, long-term investment performance for our more than one million members in the years ahead.”

Burgess also oversaw “landmark investment decisions”, including the development of HESTA’s first climate change transition plan. The fund has since lifted its interim target for emission reductions to 50 per cent from 33 per cent by 2030.

“As the inaugural Chair of HESTA’s Investment Committee, Mark has helped guide the realisation of our investment strategy that’s seen us continue as a leading global investor delivering strong, competitive, long-term returns for members,” said HESTA chair Nicola Roxon. “I’d like to thank Mark for his contribution that’s continued to build on the Fund’s focus on investment excellence with impact and strong track record of performance.”

Staff Writer


  • Related
    The good, the bad and the AI: Financial sheriffs take aim

    Regulators are on red alert as this technology spreads like wildfire, presenting increasing issues, risks and challenges for global financial markets.

    David Chaplin | 28th Mar 2025 | More
    Family offices warn of threat to critical investment decisions

    Despite being a growing reservoir of funds under management, this critically important pool of capital is confronting mounting problems collating and disseminating key data in a timely manner.

    Duncan Hughes | 7th Mar 2025 | More
    APRA’s governance move could trigger wholesale change

    If the regulator’s proposal to limit board tenure to 10 years takes effect, then many non-executive board members will be in the firing line, with industry funds likely to have the most casualties.

    Nicholas Way | 7th Mar 2025 | More
    Popular