HESTA CEO Debby Blakey announced she will step down in the second half of 2026, concluding an influential 11-year tenure at the helm of the $100 billion healthcare-sector superannuation fund.
Blakey, who has spent a total of 17 years with the organisation, plans to transition into a non-executive career following her departure.
Under Blakey’s leadership, HESTA underwent a massive scale transformation, with the fund’s retirement savings pool surging by approximately $70 billion to surpass the $100 billion milestone.
The fund’s membership also saw a significant boost, growing by 250,000 to reach a current total of 1.05 million members.
HESTA Chair Nicola Roxon lauded Blakey’s legacy, noting her pivotal role in positioning the fund as a dominant voice in climate transition, First Nations partnerships, and affordable housing investment.
"She leaves with a legacy of sustained performance," Roxon stated, highlighting HESTA's recent fifth SuperRatings Net Benefit Award in six years.
"The foundations are in place for future growth with a scaled investment strategy that now sees nearly 20% of the portfolio managed internally."
The HESTA board has commenced the search for a successor, with an appointment expected to be finalised by July to ensure a seamless leadership transition.