Green moves: ACSI, WGEA

The Governor-General appointed a new leader for the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), while the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI) has a new president.

David Whiteley will assume the ACSI presidency after first joining the organisation's board in 2025.

On the board, Whitely represented IFM Investors in his capacity as global head of external relations.

Whitely was the founding chief executive of Industry Super Australia (ISA) for 12 years, leading ISA's advocacy. He takes over as president from outgoing HESTA chief executive Debby Blakey.

Blakey served in the role since 2021. Blakey recently announced she will step down from her roles at HESTA and at ACSI.

"Strong governance and responsible stewardship by long-term investors is always essential, and in times of global turbulence, it's even more important funds work to protect investment value for the millions of working people ACSI's members serve," Whiteley said.

ACSI chief executive Louise Davidson said Whitely has a wealth of experience in, and a strong commitment to, profit-to-member superannuation.

"He will bring his expertise in responsible investment and strong history of working collectively to his role as ACSI President. The ACSI team and I very much look forward to working with him," she said.

"Debby has been a champion for ACSI and for managing the financially material sustainability and governance issues we deal with. Most importantly, she has consistently brought the voice of super fund members into every consideration. On behalf of the ACSI community I want to thank Debby for her significant contribution to ACSI's success."

Blakey commented that ACSI plays a vital role in holding Australia's listed companies to account on the issues that matter most to long-term investors.

"I am delighted to be handing over the presidency to David, and confident ACSI will continue to be a passionate and influential voice for change under his leadership," Blakey said.

"It has been a privilege to serve as ACSI president, and I leave the role enormously proud of what the organisation has achieved."

Separately, the WGEA will have a new chief executive effective May 19.

For a five-year term, Christine Castley will lead the agency to drive gender equality in workplaces to ensure all people are fairly represented, and equally valued and rewarded.

Castley previously led Multicultural Australia as chief executive for five years until 2025.

At Multicultural Australia, Castley led organisational growth initiatives, strengthened governance and operations and expanded the organisation's voice and influence locally and nationwide.

Her other senior executive roles within the Queensland public service include serving as deputy director-general of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, as well as the Department of Housing and Public Works.

Castley also led the Secretariat for the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence that delivered the Not now, not ever report.

"WGEA's data has already shifted the conversation on gender equality in Australia. The task now is to turn that transparency into sustained, practical and measurable impact, tackling persistent barriers for women while driving stronger, more inclusive outcomes across workplaces," she said.

"This is important work for Australia's future, and I am keen to do it in partnership with the Minister for Women Katy Gallagher, the Office for Women, employers and other partners to continue the momentum."