Ms Jo Townsend, Chief Executive Officer

Jo Townsend was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Funds SA in April 2015. She has extensive investment management experience and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Corporation.

Ms Townsend has worked in the financial services sector for 30 years, starting her career in the investment management sector managing fixed interest portfolios. Through her career, she has held senior executive roles at REST Industry Super, including Acting Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Investments, with prior roles in the superannuation sector at NGS Super and the Retirement Benefits Fund of Tasmania.

Ms Townsend holds a Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance from the University of Technology, Sydney, and is an IMCA certified investment management analyst. She is a member of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and Director of FEAL.

Mr Tony Burrill, Executive Manager, Governance, Risk & Compliance

Tony Burrill was appointed as Executive Manager, Governance, Risk and Compliance in June 2019, having extensive background in strategy, governance, risk management, compliance, and operations within the investment management industry.

Mr Burrill is responsible for the implementation of Funds SA’s enterprise risk management framework, corporate governance, and compliance function including policies and standards. He also coordinates the secretarial functions of the Board, Audit and Risk Committee and oversees the outsourced internal audit function.

Prior to his Funds SA appointment, Mr Burrill led the risk management function across the Customer Connections Division at the NBN Co Ltd. He has held senior executive positions with Federated Investors, Aviva Investors Australia, Portfolio Partners Ltd, and Invesco Australia.

Mr Burrill holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Tasmania and a Graduate Diploma of Finance and Investment from FINSIA. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand, a Fellow of FINSIA, and an Australian Institute of Company Directors member.

Mr Richard Friend, Chief Investment Officer

Richard Friend was appointed Chief Investment Officer in December 2016, bringing extensive experience as an investment professional, with more than 25 years at a senior level in the superannuation and investment management sectors.

Mr Friend leads the Funds SA investment team and is responsible for the development and implementation of investment strategy, investment implementation, and management of the Funds SA investment options.

Prior to joining Funds SA, Mr Friend held the role of Investment Manager at Australian Super and he has previously worked in senior roles at AGEST, Warakirri Asset Management, and Equipsuper.

Mr Friend is a Chartered Financial Analyst, has completed a Graduate Diploma of Finance and Investment with FINSIA, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne.

Mr Tony Keenan, Executive Manager, Corporate Engagement

Tony Keenan was appointed as Executive Manager, Corporate Engagement in July 2017, bringing substantial experience and expertise in business management, financial markets, and investment management.

Mr Keenan is responsible for client and stakeholder engagement, strategy, and communications, and building on the reputation of Funds SA as a respected funds management Corporation.

Prior to joining Funds SA, Mr Keenan held senior positions at ANZ, JBWere, Deloitte, and NAB, providing a depth of experience in financial services, advisory, business strategy, and marketing.

He holds a Bachelor of Economics from La Trobe University, and a Company Directors Course Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of FINSIA.

Ms Jacki Kittel, Executive Manager, People and Organisational Performance

Jacki Kittel commenced with Funds SA in January 2017 and is the Executive Manager, People and Organisational Performance. She draws on over 20 years of experience in organisational leadership, strategy, and performance and development.

Ms Kittel is responsible for implementing Funds SA’s people and culture strategy, and the design and execution of corporate strategy.

Prior to working at Funds SA, Ms Kittel led the people and change management consulting group for KPMG in South Australia. She has worked across a number of industry sectors both in Australia and internationally, predominately in financial services, and within private and public organisations. In the UK, Ms Kittel held leadership roles in people and leadership strategy at Northern Trust and FTSE 100 company, Centrica.

Ms Kittel holds a Bachelor of Management from the University of South Australia, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Adelaide, and is a certified academic member of the Australian Human Resources Institute.

Mr John Piteo, Chief Operating Officer

John Piteo was appointed as Funds SA’s Chief Operating Officer in 2016, recognising his strong leadership skills, experience, and expertise in financial management and investment operations.

Mr Piteo joined Funds SA in 1995 and has worked across a range of finance and investment operations related roles. In 2004, he was appointed as Funds SA’s inaugural Chief Financial Officer, a position he held until being appointed to the Chief Operating Officer role.

His responsibilities include leading the investment operations, data and analytics, fund accounting, tax, and IT teams. He works closely with Funds SA’s Board and sub-committees, service providers, clients, and stakeholders.

Mr Piteo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accountancy from the South Australian Institute of Technology (now the University of South Australia), and a Company Directors Course Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is a member of CPA Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.