Key Takeaways
- • Robbie Campo, currently CEO of ESSSuper (a $40 billion fund serving emergency workers and state public servants), has been appointed CEO of HESTA, a $100 billion profit-to-members superannuation fund, effective August 2026.
- • Campo replaces Debby Blakey, who departs after 10 years leading HESTA, marking a significant leadership transition within Australia's $4.5 trillion pension sector.
- • Campo brings 26 years of superannuation industry experience, including previous roles as Group Executive at CBUS and Deputy Chief Executive of Industry Super Australia (ISA), alongside qualifications in law and applied finance.
- • HESTA Chair Nicola Roxon highlighted Campo's capability to lead the fund through "its next, significant strategic era" as HESTA surpasses one million members, positioning her expertise in navigating complex regulatory and investment environments.
- • The appointment followed a competitive search process and reflects broader leadership changes across Australia's institutional superannuation sector.
Summary
HESTA, a $100 billion Australian superannuation fund with over one million members, has appointed Robbie Campo as its next chief executive officer, effective August 2026. Campo, who currently serves as CEO of ESSSuper—a mid-sized fund managing approximately $40 billion in assets for emergency workers and state public servants—replaces outgoing chief Debby Blakey following her decade-long tenure in the role.
The appointment comes as part of a broader leadership reshuffle within Australia's $4.5 trillion pension sector. Campo's selection followed a thorough and competitive recruitment process, according to HESTA Chair Nicola Roxon, who emphasized that Campo's "wide-ranging leadership experience across a 26-year career in the superannuation sector" and her track record navigating complex regulatory and operational environments made her the standout candidate. Roxon stated that Campo's skills position her well to lead HESTA as it enters "an exciting new chapter" aimed at helping members "feel confident, connected and well prepared for the future."
Campo's professional background includes significant executive roles within the superannuation industry. Prior to her position at ESSSuper, she served as Group Executive of Brand, Engagement, Advocacy and Product at CBUS and held the position of Deputy Chief Executive at Industry Super Australia (ISA). She also chairs Women in Super and holds previous non-executive directorships at Victoria Legal Aid and Industry Fund Services. Campo holds a Bachelor of Law with Honours, a Bachelor of Arts, and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment, providing her with strong legal and financial credentials for the role.
The transition reflects both HESTA's growth beyond one million members and the sector-wide executive mobility among Australia's largest institutional funds. Campo's appointment aligns with HESTA's stated commitment to improving financial outcomes for working people, particularly women, and her leadership is expected to drive fresh strategic direction as the fund scales its operations and member engagement initiatives.
The appointment comes as part of a broader leadership reshuffle within Australia's $4.5 trillion pension sector. Campo's selection followed a thorough and competitive recruitment process, according to HESTA Chair Nicola Roxon, who emphasized that Campo's "wide-ranging leadership experience across a 26-year career in the superannuation sector" and her track record navigating complex regulatory and operational environments made her the standout candidate. Roxon stated that Campo's skills position her well to lead HESTA as it enters "an exciting new chapter" aimed at helping members "feel confident, connected and well prepared for the future."
Campo's professional background includes significant executive roles within the superannuation industry. Prior to her position at ESSSuper, she served as Group Executive of Brand, Engagement, Advocacy and Product at CBUS and held the position of Deputy Chief Executive at Industry Super Australia (ISA). She also chairs Women in Super and holds previous non-executive directorships at Victoria Legal Aid and Industry Fund Services. Campo holds a Bachelor of Law with Honours, a Bachelor of Arts, and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment, providing her with strong legal and financial credentials for the role.
The transition reflects both HESTA's growth beyond one million members and the sector-wide executive mobility among Australia's largest institutional funds. Campo's appointment aligns with HESTA's stated commitment to improving financial outcomes for working people, particularly women, and her leadership is expected to drive fresh strategic direction as the fund scales its operations and member engagement initiatives.
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