Who is the new CEO of HESTA and when do they start?

Robbie Campo has been appointed as the new CEO of HESTA, a major Australian industry superannuation fund with approximately $100 billion in assets under management. Currently the head of ESSSuper, Campo is scheduled to officially take over the leadership role in August 2026.

Why is Debby Blakey leaving HESTA?

Debby Blakey is stepping down after an 11-year tenure as CEO, having initially announced her departure in February 2026. Her exit marks the end of a significant period of growth for the fund, and she will remain in the role until Robbie Campo begins her term in August.

What is Robbie Campo’s professional background in the superannuation sector?

Robbie Campo is the current CEO of ESSSuper and previously held high-level roles at other major industry institutions. Her experience includes serving as Group Executive at Cbus (covering brand, engagement, advocacy, and product) and as Deputy CEO of Industry Super Australia.

What does this leadership change mean for HESTA’s strategic direction?

The appointment is seen as a strategic move to reinforce HESTA’s position as a leading advocate for workers in the health and community services sectors. Management appears focused on continuity, specifically regarding advocacy for women’s retirement outcomes and systemic superannuation reform.

How large is HESTA’s portfolio following this announcement?

HESTA currently manages approximately $100 billion in retirement savings for its members. As one of Australia’s largest industry funds, the scale of its Assets Under Management (AUM) makes this CEO transition a significant event for the broader financial markets and retail sentiment.

Will HESTA's investment thesis change under Robbie Campo?

While a full strategy pivot hasn't been announced, Campo has explicitly stated her commitment to improving economic security and retirement outcomes for women. Investors and members should expect HESTA to remain highly active in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) advocacy and policy reform.

How has the market reacted to the HESTA CEO appointment?

As HESTA is an industry super fund rather than a publicly traded company, there is no direct share price reaction. However, the smooth internal transition and endorsement from outgoing CEO Debby Blakey suggest stability, which is generally viewed positively by institutional partners and members.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

HESTA appoints Robbie Campo as new CEO

Written by Mahathir BayenaPublished Apr 15, 2026, 2:30 AM

HESTA announced the appointment of Robbie Campo as its new CEO.

Currently the head of ESSSuper, Campo will take the reins of the $100 billion industry fund in August, succeeding Debby Blakey, who confirmed her departure in February after an influential 11-year tenure.

Before her leadership at ESSSuper, Campo served as Group Executive of Brand, Engagement, Advocacy, and Product at Cbus and held the position of Deputy CEO at Industry Super Australia.

Her appointment is viewed as a strategic move to maintain HESTA's status as a powerhouse advocate for members in health and community services.

"I am thrilled to be appointed as HESTA’s CEO, a role which will allow me to continue my passion for improving the economic security of Australians and, in particular, improving retirement outcomes for women," Campo stated.

Outgoing CEO Debby Blakey, who has collaborated with Campo over many years on systemic reforms, expressed total confidence in her successor.

"I feel confident she will lead the Fund from strength to strength," Blakey remarked.

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