Early Life and Education
Debby Blakey was born in South Africa and holds a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her educational background laid a solid foundation for her future career in finance and superannuation.
Career Journey
Debby joined HESTA in 2008 as the Executive for Member Advice and quickly advanced to the role of Deputy CEO before being appointed CEO in 2015. With over 25 years of experience in the superannuation and financial services sectors, she previously founded and ran an employee benefits consultancy for 12 years.
Leadership at HESTA
As the Chief Executive Officer of HESTA, a top-performing superannuation fund dedicated to the health and community services sector, Debby leads an organization with over $87 billion in assets. Her mission is clear: to improve the retirement outcomes of HESTA’s members, more than one million of whom are primarily women and many on lower incomes. Under her leadership, HESTA has become a vocal advocate for responsible investment and social equity.
Advocacy and Impact
Debby is passionate about creating a fairer financial system. She has led significant advocacy efforts for the introduction of paid superannuation on Commonwealth Parental Leave Pay, prioritizing the financial security of HESTA members. Her leadership has also seen HESTA commit to a Climate Change Transition Plan, aiming for ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050.
Professional Affiliations
In addition to her role at HESTA, Debby serves as the President of the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI) and is a Director of the International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN). She is also the founding Chair of the 40:40 Vision initiative, which promotes gender equity at executive and board levels in ASX300 companies.
Recognition and Certifications
Debby holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). Her contributions to the industry and advocacy for social change have established her as a respected leader in the superannuation sector.
Personal Life
Debby Blakey’s dedication to her work is matched by her commitment to her family. Though personal details about her family life remain private, her professional achievements reflect her passion for improving the lives of others, especially those in the health and community services sector.
