Australian Retirement Trust (ART) has announced the appointment of former Reserve Bank (RBA) deputy governor Guy Debelle as an external adviser to its investment committee.
Dr Debelle worked at the RBA for 25 years, including as deputy governor for six years, before departing in March last year to take up the role of chief financial officer at Fortescue Future Industries (FFI).
He later transitioned to a new role on the board of FFI Australia in November after being involved in a “serious bicycle incident”. Dr Debelle’s previous experience also includes chairing the climate change working group of the Australian Council of Financial Regulators.
Alongside the appointment of Dr Debelle, Mark Burgess was named as a director of the ART board and as a member of its investment committee.
Mr Burgess is currently a board member and investment committee chair of HESTA and will join ART after his term concludes at HESTA in June.
He is a former managing director of the Future Fund and has held roles as both chief executive officer and chief investment officer for major investors and financial institutions internationally and in Australia.
Additionally, Linda Apelt was named as a director of the ART board. She was formerly the agent-general for Queensland in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, and trade and investment commissioner for Queensland in Europe and Sub-Sahara Africa.
Ms Apelt is currently the chair of Opera Queensland and a member of the Griffith University Council. She also previously served as a director on the QSuper board of trustees from 2001–05 and as director-general of the Departments of Housing and Community Services.
“All three of our new appointees are exceptional leaders in their own right and we’re proud to have them join Australian Retirement Trust,” said ART chair Andrew Fraser.
“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.”
ART noted that the director appointments replace vacancies that arose on the board late last year. Ms Apelt’s appointment was effective from 27 January and Dr Debelle’s from 25 February, while Mr Burgess is set to join the ART board in mid-2023.
“The collective national and international experience and insight of our new appointees will benefit the fund as we seek returns in Australia and abroad,” said Mr Fraser.
“We look forward to the contribution of these high-calibre leaders in helping Australian Retirement Trust deliver on our vision to be Australia’s most chosen and trusted retirement partner.”
