Kooyman to oversee risk at Australian Ethical

Binaya Dahal

Journalist

19 December 2025

Australian Ethical’s second senior executive hire in as many as two months will see Natalie Kooyman take on the role of Chief Risk Officer from February next year.

The appointment follows Anthony Lane joining last month as the firm’s Chief Operating Officer, marking a period of senior leadership reshuffle at the investment manager.

Kooyman will succeed Karen Hughes, who after five years in Australian Ethical’s risk department will move to lead the Office of the Superannuation Trustee.

The former Head of Operational Risk and Controls at AustralianSuper, Kooyman will be responsible for overseeing enterprise-wide risk management and compliance across the company.

She said she was excited to begin her role early next year.

“I feel very much aligned with the organisation’s purpose of investing for a better world,” Kooyman said.

“I am looking forward to leading the risk and compliance team as the business continues its growth journey.”

Kooyman boasts more than two decades of experience in financial services, having held senior executive positions at AMP Capital, as well as risk and compliance roles at Perpetual, Deloitte (U.K.) and HSBC.

Australian Ethical CEO, John McMurdo said Kooyman’s appointment would further strengthen the firm’s executive leadership.

“We are thrilled Natalie will be joining the Australian Ethical team,” McMurdo said.

“Natalie is a highly experienced risk and compliance professional within our sector, and her role will be critical to our business as we continue to grow.

“It’s pleasing to attract this significant talent to our Executive team, bolstering our C-Suite further in support of our continued growth.”

At Australian Ethical, Kooyman will report directly to McCurdo and play a central role in shaping governance strategies.