HESTA appoints head of portfolio design

HESTA has announced it has appointed investment management professional Dianne Sandoval as its Head of Portfolio Design, effective from October 2, 2023.

In her new role, she will be responsible for leading the research and asset allocation processes to enhance the probability of achieving investment objectives, oversee the rebalancing and currency overlays, portfolio risk management, and evaluating portfolio performance.

She will bring more than 30 years of investment management experience, having worked with financial institutions across the Middle East, the United States, Europe, and Latin America.

Sandoval spent the last two years leading the Markets, Asset Classes, and Portfolio Strategy Team at the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in Saudi Arabia.

Before joining PIF, Sandoval spent more than 12 years in a range of senior positions across asset allocation and strategy, private equity, and high yield/investment grade credit at America’s largest public pension fund, CalPERS.

During her career, she has also held positions at investment teams at Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and GE Capital.

HESTA chief executive Debby Blakey said Sandoval’s extensive experience and strategic insight would benefit HESTA’s one million-plus members.

“Throughout her career, Dianne has played an important role in creating and implementing innovative investment strategies alongside robust policies and compliance measures that have helped achieve impressive results,” Blakey said.

“With her deep knowledge, strategic thinking, and results-driven approach, Dianne is positioned as a trusted leader in the investment management industry, and we’re delighted to welcome her expertise to the team.”

Commenting on her appointment, Sandoval said: “I am delighted to be joining HESTA and having the opportunity to help grow its members’ long-term super balances while supporting them to face the future with confidence.

“I look forward to supporting HESTA’s deep commitment to diversity and inclusion in the industry and leveraging my experience and expertise to drive innovative investment strategies and deliver exceptional outcomes for HESTA’s members.”