Appointments: July, 2006

REST Superannuation has announced the appointment of Damian Hill as its new chief executive officer.

Hill, formerly general manager, administration, at REST, has been with the fund for seven years and has over 20 years experience in the industry.

The REST board chose to undertake an extensive search for a chief executive officer, and found Hill to be the outstanding candidate.

Commenting on the appointment of Hill, chairman Joe de Bruyn said, “Over recent years, we have re-energised and refocused REST to deliver an excellent member and employer experience, and I’m very confident Damian has the leadership qualities and experience to build on these strong foundations.

“Damian demonstrates broad experience within the industry and a deep knowledge of and commitment to REST and its members. He also has a thorough understanding of administration, insurance and financial planning, due to the innovative work he has been managing within the fund.”

AMP Capital Investors has announced the appointment of Tanya Debakhapouve as portfolio manager, international and future directions funds.

Debakhapouve joins AMP Capital from UniSuper, and has over 10 years experience in the investment industry. During her time at UniSuper, Debakhapouve spent over six years in manager research and multi-manager portfolio construction and strategy roles.

Investment director, international and future directions funds, Sean Henaghan said Debakhapouve’s experience in managing Australian equity multi-manager portfolios made her a strong addition to the team.

Debakhapouve began work with AMP Capital on June 1, 2006.

BNP Paribas Securities Services (BNP Paribas) has announced the appointment of Robert Pieterse to head of risk and control, including legal and compliance.

Pieterse brings with him over 20 years experience in financial services, and is an industry expert in implemented controls, policies, procedures, end-to-end unit pricing and compliance reporting in the funds management/custody market. This appointment will take effect on June 26. Pieterse replaces Nicolas Faust, originally from BNP Paribas’ Luxembourg office, who will begin working on a number of key strategic initiatives in a newly created role.

Prior to joining BNP Paribas, Pieterse held a number of senior executive roles, including head of unit pricing for ING Australia, chief executive officer of Orion Fund Services (part of Zurich Financial Services), chief operating officer of the Wealthpoint Group (a subsidiary of St George Bank), chief financial officer of Bridges Financial Services, and chief executive officer of Commonwealth Custodial Services (a subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank).

The managing director of BNP Paribas Securities Services Australasia, Gail Burke, said: “As our business continues to grow, so we need to continuously focus on our risk and compliance framework. Having Robert’s expertise and knowledge will ensure that focus is maintained and enhanced. I am equally pleased that we are able to utilise Nicolas Faust’s experience and expertise in focusing on strategic growth opportunities.”

As a member of the Australasian management team, Pieterse will report regionally to Burke, and globally to Suzanne Montusclat.

Commenting on his appointment, Pieterse said: “I am very pleased to be joining a growing organisation that understands the importance of risk and control. BNP Paribas has a fast growing business with a great team, who I am looking forward to working with.”

Colonial First State Global Asset Management has announced the appointment of outgoing REST Superannuation (REST) chief executive Neil Cochrane as its new global head of business development and deputy chief executive officer.

During his five-year term as chief executive officer, Cochrane has grown REST to become one of Australia’s largest funds, with over 1.6 million members and $10.6 billion in funds under management.

The Fund Executive Association named Cochrane Fund Executive of the Year in 2005.

Cochrane, who is currently on the board of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, has 28 years experience in the funds management and investment industries, and has held senior business development and management positions.

Warwick Negus, chief executive officer of Colonial First State Global Asset Management, said: “The calibre of this appointment reflects strongly the commitment we are making to expand our product offering across traditional investment classes, property and alternative investments.

“Neil is a highly respected leader in the funds management sector, and the breadth and depth of his experience will ensure that our efforts in developing new and innovative investment opportunities are strategically coordinated, whilst further enhancing our institutional investor relationships,” Negus said.

As a senior member of the Colonial First State Global Asset Management team, Cochrane will report directly to Warwick Negus, and lead the global sales force when he commences his new role in October.

Cochrane’s role will include the coordination of the global sales force, which is primarily focused on institutional business development.

“Neil will also have overall responsibility for our marketing and communications functions around the world. We have also asked him to chair our Property Investment Review Committee and our Infrastructure Investment Review Committee. Both committees have recently been reconstituted with external membership, and play a key role in any transaction decisions taken by our Property and Alternative Investments Group,” Negus said.