Co-CEO
RIAA Staff
With a distinguished 20-year career at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Estelle Parker brings crucial expertise in government relations, policy-making, and themes important to responsible investors, including human rights and the SDGs. As a leader driving RIAA’s research, certification, policy, standards, and working group programs, her leadership has elevated these initiatives to achieve heightened levels of professionalism, impact, and value delivery for our members, aligning seamlessly with RIAA’s strategic objectives.
Beyond her organisational impact, Estelle is a respected figure in the responsible investment landscape, serving as a strong advocate on influential global and government committees, including the Principles for Responsible Investment’s Global Policy Reference Group, the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance and the Australian Government’s Natural Capital Working Group. Additionally, she serves as the Convenor of the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures official Consultation Group for Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Steering Committee for the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute. She is also a member of the Council of the Australian Institute for International Affairs (Victoria).
Co-CEO
Dean Hegarty
Dean is committed to cultivating meaningful engagement opportunities for members and ensuring the delivery of high-quality membership values that significantly contributes to the sector. Passionate about championing ESG investment, Dean collaborates closely with global and local asset managers, super funds, Kiwisaver providers, financial advisors, and wealth platforms to align capital with sustainable outcomes.
His strategic leadership has played a pivotal role in elevating RIAA’s presence in both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, resulting in substantial growth and transformative organisational changes. With over a decade of experience leading teams in the not-for-profit sector, Dean has driven remarkable growth in membership and events while forging essential industry partnerships. Dean also serves as a member of the National Advisory Board on Impact Investing in New Zealand and sits on the GovCo of the New Zealand Stewardship Code.
Head of Certification
Shalini Samuel
Shalini plays a pivotal role at RIAA, spearheading the oversight of the organisation’s esteemed Certification Program, Sustainability Classifications, and related projects. Shalini’s role is vital as the financial industry faces increased scrutiny and a need for accurate product labeling. Her dedication ensures RIAA’s Certification Program remains robust and trustworthy in an ever-evolving market landscape.
With 10 years of experience in ESG investment and certification, her expertise strengthens RIAA’s position. She has contributed significantly to the responsible investment and broader sustainability industry through organisations like B Lab Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, Minderoo Foundation, and the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Investment. With a wealth of expertise, Shalini brings valuable insights from her extensive background, benefiting RIAA and its mission as a whole.
Head of Operations
Brendan Bailey
Brendan leads RIAA’s internal operations, with oversight over the structures, systems and processes that ensure the smooth running of the organisation.
Prior to joining RIAA, Brendan led the operations of the Education and Safeguarding Services team at the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF), building on extensive experience as a trauma-responsive education consultant and manager at ACF, Sexual Health Victoria and Berry Street.
Brendan brings to this role a passion for systems-informed organisational psychology and the potential for organisations such as RIAA to create transformational change. He holds a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology, a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education, and a Bachelor of Arts.
Head of Policy and Advocacy
Nayanisha Samarakoon
Nayanisha is a senior lawyer with extensive federal public sector experience in governance, corporate compliance and regulation.
She arrives at RIAA after a long history at the corporate regulator, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). She was the project lead on ASIC’s thematic review into greenwashing by ‘green’ or ‘ethical’ managed funds and superannuation funds. This consisted of a review of the market, close engagement with international regulators and International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), and developing a deep understanding of both the existing Australian regulatory framework and government priorities as well as international development in this space. Through this review, she led a group across ASIC’s Corporations, Superannuation and Investment Managers teams to deliver industry and consumer guidance.
Outside of work, she volunteers as a board member and secretary at Juno Services Inc., a not-for-profit family violence and homelessness service provider based in Melbourne. She is also on the board of Fitted for Work, a charity focused on helping women experiencing disadvantage get work, keep work and navigate through working life.
Manager of Member Services
Josh Edmunds
As RIAA’s Manager of Member Services, Josh oversees the membership of the Association and actively engages with members from institutional investors to financial advisers to understand and deepen their involvement with RIAA and the industry more broadly.
Based in Sydney and having been with RIAA for 12 years, Josh is often the primary contact for members and non-members and provides support on many areas of RIAA’s work. With a passion for financial advice, Josh works closely with RIAA’s financial adviser members and manages the RI Certification Program for advisers and wealth management groups.
Prior to working at RIAA, Josh was involved in the fitness industry managing large centre membership operations, customer service and events. For a number of years he was involved in social programmes supporting First Nation’s youth.
Josh holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Law and a Diploma in Financial Planning and is currently undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning.
Marketing & Communications Manager
Ada Tso
As Marketing and Communications Manager, Ada leads the organisation’s marketing efforts in positioning RIAA as a trusted and knowledgeable hub in responsible investment and driving its membership value.
With over 8 years of experience in marketing and media, Ada’s passion lies in creating compelling stories and designing customer-centric campaigns that deliver value and impact.
Manager of Client Services
Michelle Lilley
As Manager of Client Services, Michelle brings to RIAA a wealth of experience in structuring and managing responsible investment, measuring and managing (financial and impact) performance, and learning through ongoing monitoring and evaluation. She has a strong commercial outlook and social responsibility for her work and is excited by new opportunities that bring together the resources and expertise required to move capital towards a more sustainable economy.
She is a business professional with a deep knowledge and passion across diverse sectors and industries, understanding the true value of investment extends much wider than a simple financial return.
Michelle has extensive experience working alongside First Nations entrepreneurs to start and grow enterprises, raise capital and achieve impact that enables economic empowerment through the sustainable development of business.
Working Groups Manager
Jessica Rowe
Jessica manages RIAA’s working group program. She brings eight years’ experience in project management, community engagement and grant management through her roles as a project manager, humanitarian worker, and grant manager with various non-governmental organisations. Jessica worked as a Grant Manager and Protection Manager in Iraq, Ukraine, and the occupied Palestinian territories. Jessica holds a Post Graduate Diploma Laws (Human Rights Law, and International Criminal Law), Master of International Development Practice and a Bachelor of Arts (Global).
Events Coordinator
Briony Doyle Galovic
Briony supports the RIAA team and our members by managing all the logistics and communications for our busy calendar of conferences, webinars and events throughout the year. She also ensures we deliver on our commitments to our sponsors.
Prior to joining RIAA, Briony has over 6 years’ experience successfully managing corporate and hospitality events. She is based in the Melbourne office.
Marketing & Communications Officer
Isabella Marotta
As Marketing and Communications Officer, Isabella is responsible for supporting the execution of RIAA’s marketing strategy. She is passionate about crafting compelling communications that resonate with diverse audiences, align with organisational goals and deliver value. Prior to this role, Isabella worked as Working Groups Officer at RIAA. Isabella holds a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in Communications and Media Studies and recently completed a Master of Strategic Communications Management at Monash University.
Operations Coordinator
Zoe Symons
As Operations Coordinator, Zoe has oversight of financial systems and operational assistance. She works closely with leadership to ensure smooth running of RIAA’s budget & finances, provides HR support, and ongoing assistance with IT.
Zoe comes to RIAA with a broad range of expertise in the not-for-profit sector, providing high-level financial and human resources guidance in a large government-funded organisation. She brings to RIAA extensive experience in working with indigenous communities and Native Title.
Responsible Investment Analyst
Natalia Tsurkova
As a Responsible Investment Analyst within RIAA’s world-leading Responsible Investment Certification Program, Natalia undertakes in-depth analysis of a diverse range of investment and financial products to verify that they are of high quality, true-to-label and meet the Responsible Investment Standard.
Natalia holds a Bachelor of Commerce (honours), is Certified Financial Planner (FPA Australia) and Certified ESG Analyst (EFFAS). Prior to joining RIAA, she worked in commercial banking in analytical and client focused roles undertaking research and fundamental analysis of companies. More recently, she worked in superannuation and financial planning industries helping the fund members to achieve their retirement goals and objectives.
Senior Responsible Investment Analyst
Anson Chan
Anson leads the implementation of the Responsible Investment Standard and Guidance Notes through assessments of financial products. In addition to conducting assessments, Anson contributes to ensuring that Guidance Notes stay refined, up-to-date and fit for purpose through his engagement with RIAA members. Currently, he manages product claims checks within the Certification Program and is responsible for analyst mentorship and management of the Certification Administration Officer.
Anson holds a Master of Arts (major in mathematics), Certificate in ESG Investing (CFA UK) and is a Charted Financial Analyst (CFA). Prior to joining RIAA he was an experienced equity research analyst focusing on emerging markets, and has published equity research as well as ESG thematic reports.
Responsible Investment Analyst
Tori Huggins
As a Responsible Investment Analyst within RIAA’s world-leading Responsible Investment Certification Program, Tori undertakes rigorous, in-depth analysis of a diverse range of investment and financial products to verify they are quality and true-to-label, and meet the Responsible Investment Standard.
Tori holds a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Melbourne, majoring in politics and International Relations. Prior to this role Tori was an Admin Officer within RIAA’s Certifications and Ratings Program.
Certification Administration Officer
Lauren Clark
As Certification Administration Officer, Lauren is responsible for the efficient running of RIAA’s Responsible Investment Certification Program, providing administrative and secretarial services to RIAA’s Certification Team. She is passionate about sustainability and social responsibility and is currently in her final semester studying a Master of Environment and Sustainability at Monash University.
Lauren has extensive administration experience, representing Altiorem as a learning partner for Regen Melbourne. She has volunteered as an Access Monash Mentor and was also a Regional Representative for The Orangutan Project. Lauren is eager to contribute to RIAA and the wider responsible investment industry.
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Project Officer
Noa Godsell
As Project Officer for Working Groups, Noa brings their background in performance and events management to ensure RIAA’s Working Groups continue to find creative ways to support communities of practice for members. Noa also has a passion for climate activism and is excited to have the opportunity to bring this knowledge across to RIAA to continue to support systemic change that will benefit the environment.