HESTA nabs exec legalsuper for new strategic planning role

HESTA has announced the appointment of Alissa Knight to the role of general manager, strategic planning.

In her new capacity, which she will assume on 11 June, Knight will play a “crucial” part in supporting HESTA’s executive leadership team in strategic planning and key initiatives, according to the fund.

Knight’s background spans various strategy-related roles, and includes a 16-year tenure with AIA, most recently serving as the group’s general manager of strategy and CEO office.

For the last six months, she has held a contract position with legalsuper, similarly heading up the strategy and CEO office.

She has also practised within the insurance litigation group at MinterEllison, firstly as an articled clerk and then as a solicitor.

Commenting on her appointment, Knight said: “I am keen to contribute to the fund’s ongoing success by leveraging my skills and experience to drive positive outcomes for our members.”

HESTA chief executive, Debby Blakey, also welcomed Knight to the fund’s leadership team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Alissa back to HESTA in this pivotal role. Her proven track record in strategy execution roles and her previous contract work with HESTA position her well to drive positive outcomes for members,” Blakey said.

Chief strategy officer, Sam Harris, added that Knight’s appointment reflects the fund’s focus on enhancing its strategic planning processes, ultimately delivering positive outcomes for members.

“Alissa’s leadership and strategy execution experience will be instrumental in further solidifying HESTA’s position as a leading industry fund,” Harris explained.

Last month, HESTA also announced that Natalie Kelly had been formally appointed chief financial officer, having taken the role on an interim basis in March 2024.

The move followed the departure of Sally Collins, who has since joined Aware Super as chief operating officer.