The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) is pleased to unveil the appointment of Co-CEOs, Estelle Parker and Dean Hegarty to take up the leadership of the organisation, marking an important step for RIAA with dual CEO representation in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Following an extensive global search, the RIAA board proudly announces the promotion of two distinguished executives within RIAA, who will jointly take over as Co-CEOs upon the departure of current CEO, Simon O’Connor in early December 2023.
Over the past three years, Estelle Parker and Dean Hegarty have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing a more responsible and sustainable financial system as Executive Managers at RIAA. Their leadership has been instrumental in RIAA's growth and impact, placing the organisation in a robust position today.
RIAA’s Chair, Ross Piper expressed, “The RIAA board is very pleased to announce the appointment of two proven and highly skilled executives as Co-CEOs. Estelle and Dean bring deep market knowledge, strong program delivery and commercial skills, as well as having demonstrated their leadership and expertise in responsible investment across our markets.”
The Co-CEO transition, effective upon Simon O’Connor's departure, aligns with a comprehensive approach to ensure a cohesive and diverse leadership structure for RIAA. Ross stated, “Building on their deep existing relationships with our members and across other partners and government, Estelle and Dean's collaboration is envisioned to provide solid momentum for advancing RIAA’s mission and strategy during a pivotal time for the sector's growth.”
Ross emphasised RIAA’s ambitious mission to advance a financial system that aligns capital with a healthy and sustainable economy, society and environment, and the strong passion both Dean and Estelle have for driving this mission. He noted, “Their demonstrated success as an executive team, complemented by shared values, a strong working relationship, and a profound passion for RIAA’s mission, positions them ideally for the Co-CEO model.”
Estelle Parker has spearheaded the expansion and growth of the industry leading RIAA Certification Program. Her senior government diplomatic experience brings crucial expertise in government relations, policy making and many issues that responsible investors care about such as Human Rights and the SDGs. This is particularly crucial as the sector enters a period of responsible investment and sustainable finance legislative developments. Estelle has also been instrumental in leading critical external engagements, such as convening the official Australasian Consultation Group for the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), leading RIAA’s involvement in the Dhawura Ngilan Business and Investor Initiative on First Nations cultural heritage protection and participating in government stakeholder committees. She has established herself as a strong spokesperson for the sector. Under her guidance, RIAA’s programs have achieved heightened levels of professionalism, impact, and value delivery to its members.
Dean Hegarty, RIAA’s first Aotearoa New Zealand-based executive, has played a pivotal role in enhancing the organisation’s presence and activity in both Australia and New Zealand, contributing to substantial growth and organisational changes. Dean brings over a decade of experience leading teams in the not-for-profit sector and his efforts have resulted in significant membership growth, a more than doubling in size of RIAA’s annual conferences in both Australia and New Zealand, developing key industry partnerships, and established himself as the voice of RIAA in New Zealand.
The RIAA board acknowledged the joint expertise of Estelle and Dean across program delivery, government relations, commercial acumen, and leadership in responsible investment, forming a robust foundation for their roles as Co-CEOs in RIAA’s next chapter.
Ross Piper expressed gratitude to RIAA members for their unwavering support and engagement, at this important time of transitioning to new leadership. Outgoing CEO, Simon O’Connor, is recognised for a decade of highly effective leadership, leaving a lasting positive impact on the Australian and New Zealand investment and financial services sectors. The board looks forward to building upon this legacy for the next phase of RIAA's growth.
ABOUT RIAA
The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) champions responsible investing and a sustainable financial system in Australia and New Zealand. RIAA is dedicated to ensuring capital is aligned with achieving a healthy society, environment and economy. With over 500 members managing more than US$29 trillion in assets globally, RIAA is the largest and most active network of people and organisations engaged in responsible, ethical and impact investing across Australia and New Zealand.
MEDIA CONTACT
Ada Tso
Marketing & Communications Manager
+61481308718
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The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) is pleased to unveil the appointment of Co-CEOs, Estelle Parker and Dean Hegarty to take up the leadership of the organisation, marking an important step for RIAA with dual CEO representation in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Following an extensive global search, the RIAA board proudly announces the promotion of two distinguished executives within RIAA, who will jointly take over as Co-CEOs upon the departure of current CEO, Simon O’Connor in early December 2023.
Over the past three years, Estelle Parker and Dean Hegarty have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing a more responsible and sustainable financial system as Executive Managers at RIAA. Their leadership has been instrumental in RIAA's growth and impact, placing the organisation in a robust position today.
RIAA’s Chair, Ross Piper expressed, “The RIAA board is very pleased to announce the appointment of two proven and highly skilled executives as Co-CEOs. Estelle and Dean bring deep market knowledge, strong program delivery and commercial skills, as well as having demonstrated their leadership and expertise in responsible investment across our markets.”
The Co-CEO transition, effective upon Simon O’Connor's departure, aligns with a comprehensive approach to ensure a cohesive and diverse leadership structure for RIAA. Ross stated, “Building on their deep existing relationships with our members and across other partners and government, Estelle and Dean's collaboration is envisioned to provide solid momentum for advancing RIAA’s mission and strategy during a pivotal time for the sector's growth.”
Ross emphasised RIAA’s ambitious mission to advance a financial system that aligns capital with a healthy and sustainable economy, society and environment, and the strong passion both Dean and Estelle have for driving this mission. He noted, “Their demonstrated success as an executive team, complemented by shared values, a strong working relationship, and a profound passion for RIAA’s mission, positions them ideally for the Co-CEO model.”
Estelle Parker has spearheaded the expansion and growth of the industry leading RIAA Certification Program. Her senior government diplomatic experience brings crucial expertise in government relations, policy making and many issues that responsible investors care about such as Human Rights and the SDGs. This is particularly crucial as the sector enters a period of responsible investment and sustainable finance legislative developments. Estelle has also been instrumental in leading critical external engagements, such as convening the official Australasian Consultation Group for the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), leading RIAA’s involvement in the Dhawura Ngilan Business and Investor Initiative on First Nations cultural heritage protection and participating in government stakeholder committees. She has established herself as a strong spokesperson for the sector. Under her guidance, RIAA’s programs have achieved heightened levels of professionalism, impact, and value delivery to its members.
Dean Hegarty, RIAA’s first Aotearoa New Zealand-based executive, has played a pivotal role in enhancing the organisation’s presence and activity in both Australia and New Zealand, contributing to substantial growth and organisational changes. Dean brings over a decade of experience leading teams in the not-for-profit sector and his efforts have resulted in significant membership growth, a more than doubling in size of RIAA’s annual conferences in both Australia and New Zealand, developing key industry partnerships, and established himself as the voice of RIAA in New Zealand.
The RIAA board acknowledged the joint expertise of Estelle and Dean across program delivery, government relations, commercial acumen, and leadership in responsible investment, forming a robust foundation for their roles as Co-CEOs in RIAA’s next chapter.
Ross Piper expressed gratitude to RIAA members for their unwavering support and engagement, at this important time of transitioning to new leadership. Outgoing CEO, Simon O’Connor, is recognised for a decade of highly effective leadership, leaving a lasting positive impact on the Australian and New Zealand investment and financial services sectors. The board looks forward to building upon this legacy for the next phase of RIAA's growth.
ABOUT RIAA
The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) champions responsible investing and a sustainable financial system in Australia and New Zealand. RIAA is dedicated to ensuring capital is aligned with achieving a healthy society, environment and economy. With over 500 members managing more than US$29 trillion in assets globally, RIAA is the largest and most active network of people and organisations engaged in responsible, ethical and impact investing across Australia and New Zealand.
MEDIA CONTACT
Ada Tso
Marketing & Communications Manager
+61481308718
