Leadership Team

Jo joined the Guardians in April 2024, after spending eight years as Chief Executive Officer at Funds SA in South Australia. She has more than 30 years’ experience within investment management working in various technical and general management roles across a range of organisations in Australia including REST Industry Super, NGS Super, Retirement Benefits Fund, Value Capital Management, and Rothschild Australia Asset Management. Jo has a Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance from the University of Technology, Sydney.

Brad joined the Guardians in September 2013 and was appointed Co-Chief Investment Officer in 2024. He was previously Head of Portfolio Completion. Prior to joining the Guardians, Brad worked for Canaccord Genuity in London as Co-Head of European Equity Derivatives, and for various investment banks including Bear Stearns and JP Morgan. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Canterbury and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management. Brad is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and Co-Chair of the NZ Super Fund Investment Committee.

Will joined the Guardians in 2016 and was appointed Co-Chief Investment Officer in 2024. He was previously Head of Direct Investments. Prior to joining the Guardians, Will held executive roles in finance and private equity. He is currently Co-Chair of the NZ Super Fund Investment Committee, Chair of the Institute of Finance Professionals NZ (INFINZ) and has previously served on listed and unlisted boards in New Zealand, Australia and the UK. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Economics and a Master of Applied Finance from Victoria University of Wellington and has completed INSEAD’s Advanced Management Programme.

Michael joined the Guardians in 2005 after 25 years in financial markets, including central banking, portfolio management, investment banking and funds management. His original role was to lay the foundations for the Responsible Investment function before creating a Portfolio Risk unit responsible for Fund performance reporting, liquidity risk and counterparty monitoring. That became part of a larger Risk team which Michael developed to also include enterprise risk, model risk, operational due diligence and operational compliance. Michael was appointed Chief Risk Officer in 2024.

Cristina joined the Guardians in 2009 and was appointed General Manager, Corporate Affairs in 2022. She is also currently the Chair of the Guardians’ Risk Committee. Cristina was previously the General Counsel and Head of Legal. Prior to joining the Guardians, she had roles both in law firms and as in-house counsel in the financial services industry. Prior to going in-house, Cristina spent several years as a senior legal associate at Herbert Smith Freehills in Australia and worked at law firm Bell Gully. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Auckland, has a business diploma from Mt Eliza Business School and has completed the Oxford Corporate Affairs Academy. Cristina is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.

Leona joined the Guardians in November 2025. Her 20-year career in human resources and management consulting prior to joining the Guardians includes senior roles with Public Trust, One New Zealand and PwC. She has extensive international experience as a management consultant leading people and culture initiatives for a range of public and private-sector clients. Leona holds a Bachelor of Management Studies (Hons) in Finance and Economics from the University of Waikato.

Paula joined the Guardians in 2021 and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2025. She was previously General Manager, Strategy and Shared Services. Prior to joining the Guardians, Paula was Chief Internal Auditor at ASB Bank. She has 25 years’ experience in financial services and banking, starting her career as an auditor with professional services firm Deloitte and holding various executive finance and general management roles with AMP, ANZ and ASB. Paula is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and has a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration majoring in Accounting and Commercial Law from Victoria University.