Rest further strengthens internal investment expertise with leadership appointments

12 May 2021

Rest, one of Australia’s largest industry superannuation funds, has further strengthened its internal investment expertise with the appointment of two senior leaders in key management positions.

Kiran Singh has been appointed the Head of Listed Assets, while Sonia Bluzmanis has been appointed as Head of Global Equities.

Mr Singh will be responsible for a portfolio including all of Rest’s equity and fixed income assets, including internally managed investments and those outsourced to external managers. He will also chair the Investment Selection Sub-committee, responsible for portfolio construction in equities and fixed income, and be a member of the Management Investment Committee

Ms Bluzmanis will report to Mr Singh and manage Rest’s global equities asset class, the fund’s largest asset class by funds under management.

“The realignment of Rest’s investment structure and governance saw the fund focus its existing investments expertise into one group in 2019 and 2020. Since then, we’ve further strengthened that expertise in order to position the fund for further growth and continue to deliver strong and competitive returns for members,” said Andrew Lill, Chief Investment Officer, Rest.

“The appointments of Kiran and Sonia, as well as the recent appointments of Andrew Thomas and Sally Cobb, are all important milestones in building this expertise and sharpening our focus on constructing member-focused multi-asset portfolios.

“Kiran has extensive experience in managing Australian and global equity portfolios in roles across Australia and Asia. Sonia has strong background with global equity, and global real estate managers and has a demonstrated track record of strong performance and investment partnership.

“I am delighted that they are both bringing their experience and expertise to Rest.”

Mr Singh joins Rest from Cbus, where he was the Head of Equities Strategy, while Ms Bluzmanis joins from BT Investment Group where she was Senior Portfolio Manager, Global equities.

Mr Singh will report to Mr Lill and will be based in Melbourne, while Ms Bluzmanis will be based in Sydney. Both will commence in their roles toward the end of May.

In April, Rest also appointed Andrew Thomas as Head of Investment Strategy and Asset Allocation, and Sally Cobb as Head of Capital markets.

“Andrew has a great investing history and expertise in asset allocation and portfolio construction, and Sally has a wealth of experience working globally in capital markets. Their experience will be valuable in Rest investments continuing to generate strong long-term returns for our members.”