Aus Ethical flags ongoing board renewal via latest appointment

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist, Financial Newswire

12 March 2026

Australian Ethical’s renewal program across both its investment and superannuation boards remains ongoing, with former KPMG Partner, Karen Orvad, the latest Independent Non-Executive Director appointee.

Orvad brings a wealth of experience and expertise in board governance, culture, risk management and audit programs to Australian Ethical Investment’s Board, having held a variety of senior executive audit and risk roles since retiring from her post at KPMG in 2018.

First joining the Big Four consulting firm in 1997 at the start of her career, Orvad grew her skills in external audit and people and culture consulting before moving across to KPMG’s risk and governance advisory arm where she was appointed Partner in 2015.

Orvad’s appointment follows in the wake of former Colonial First State and Virgin Money chief executive, Brian Bissaker, joining the Australian Ethical Investment Board and Kate Greenhill’s retirement from it last year.

The Australian Ethical Superannuation Board has also seen some personnel change, with former ESSSuper CEO, Mark Puli, joining last month.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Karen’s calibre join the Board,” Australian Ethical Investment Chair, Steve Gibbs, said.

“She has a distinguished track record in governance, audit and risk as well as defining and developing strong organisational and team cultures.

“Karen’s skills will be an important addition to our Board as we continue our focus on building the business resilience and governance practices appropriate for us to scale over the coming years.”

Orvad’s other current board roles include Chair of St George Community Housing (SGCH), Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Risk and Audit Committee of Bolton Clarke, Deputy Chair of Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia), and Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee of AusPayNet (Australian Payments Network).

“I’m pleased to join the Australian Ethical Board. It’s a very strong business, well positioned for further growth over the coming years,” Orvad said.

“I’m looking forward to sharing my audit, risk and regulatory experience to support business resilience and the delivery of the strategy.

“I very much believe in Australian Ethical’s mission and in the role that ethical investing plays in delivering strong long-term returns while investing for a better world. It’s an exciting time to join the Board and the broader team.”