• HOSTPLUS
About Updated 23 February 2012

Meet our CEO & Directors

David Elia, CEO


David has extensive experience in super, finance, marketing, corporate and Fund governance, taxation, risk management, audit, corporate/strategic planning and implementation. 

He's won a raft of management and leadership awards over 20 years in business.

David's especially interested in what makes organisations tick – from creating an innovative culture to leadership values, strategy and teamwork at all levels.

In his spare time, he's a Director of leading men’s health not-for-profit charity, The E.J. Whitten Foundation, aimed at increasing awareness of prostate cancer and raising funds for research. He's also a Director of Fund Executives Association, which is dedicated to the professional development of leaders in the super industry.

A qualified chartered accountant, David completed his Economics degree at La Trobe University and Post Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investments from the Financial Services Institute of Australia. He's a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has completed various business and management courses at Harvard Business School and Mt Eliza Business School.

Most of all, David is passionate about maximising member’s super so they can retire with dignity and he's a strong believer that people are the true strength of any organisation.  

Follow David on Twitter

Meet our Board of directors

The activities of HOSTPLUS are managed by our trustee Board, which has equal representation from employer (nominated by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA)) and employee (nominated by United Voice) organisations, plus three independent directors jointly selected by the AHA and United Voice.

The HOSTPLUS board structure was directly referred to as a model other funds should strive for in the Government’s extensive Cooper Review released in late 2010. This structure, coupled with our member based philosophy, gives confidence to our employers and members that decisions will be made for the right reasons, and most importantly in the best interest of members.

The board represents our members in accordance with the HOSTPLUS Trust Deed and superannuation law. They also ensure that HOSTPLUS meets Federal Government requirements for the fair and safe operation of the fund.

David Elmslie Bob Hinkley Peter Collins
Mark Robertson Bevan Douglas Neil Randall
Brian Daley Robyn Buckler Troy Burton

Independent Director and Chairman - David Elmslie

David was appointed as one of three independent Board Directors selected jointly by United Voice and the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) on 9 February 2007.

David brings an impressive list of credentials to the HOSTPLUS Board possessing extensive experience in finance and administration, corporate and strategic planning, taxation, risk and external and internal audit and also gaming, wagering and casino management.

From 1995 to 2010, David was employed by Tabcorp Holdings Limited and then Crown Limited. 

At Tabcorp he successively held the positions of Executive General Manager of Development, Executive General Manager of the Victorian Gaming Division and Chief Financial Officer and was a trustee of then Tabcorp Employee Superannuation Fund. 

At Crown Limited he held the positions of Chief Operating Officer International business and Chief Executive Officer of Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Inc. 

Prior to joining Tabcorp, he had a finance and management background involving positions with Elders Resources NZFP Limited, then a conglomerate with various businesses, and as a senior manager at Coopers and Lybrand Chartered Accountants.

David is a qualified chartered accountant in Australia and completed degrees in law and commerce at the University of Melbourne. 

David is also a member of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST).

Independent Director - Bob Hinkley

Bob is an appointed independent Board Director selected in June 2005 jointly by United Voice and the Australian Hotels Association (AHA).

Since the early 1980s, first as a solicitor and then as a barrister, Bob has had extensive legal experience including running an Australia-wide practice in common, industrial, employment and administrative law.

Bob has also represented members with superannuation legal issues, including pursuing and enforcing legal rights and appearing in industrial tribunal hearings regarding superannuation entitlements.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Education and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Melbourne University. 

Bob is also a member of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST).

Independent Director - The Hon Peter Collins AM QC

The Hon Peter Collins AM QC was appointed as one of three independent Board Directors selected jointly by United Voice and the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) in July 2006.

A Barrister and ABC journalist before his election to the NSW Parliament, Peter served for 22 years in senior roles including Minister for Health, Attorney General and Treasurer of NSW during his 7 years in the Greiner/Fahey Government, and a further 6 years as either Deputy Leader and Leader of the Opposition, before leaving the Parliament in 2003.

The Australian Government appointed him Chair of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2004-11); the NSW Government appointed him to the Cancer Council of NSW (2004-06), then Chair of the Cancer Institute of NSW (2005-08); and, he has been Chairman of St. John Ambulance NSW (2007-current).

He is also Chairman of the Advisory Board for National Patient Transport (NPT) Pty Ltd. 

In 2009, he was appointed Chair of Legal Aid NSW on the recommendation of the Attorney General; and, in 2010, was appointed Deputy Chair of the Centenary of ANZAC Commemoration Committee for NSW.

He is a Board member of the Workers Compensation Insurance Fund Investment Board of NSW since 2005 and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (FAIST).

Maintaining a long association with the University of Sydney, he was made an Associate of the Graduate School of Government (2004-08). 

Peter is also Managing Director of Barton Deakin Government Relations which he established in 2009.

With an active, life-long interest in the Australian Defence Force, he has served as both an Army and Navy Reserve officer - he was Honorary Colonel of the elite 1st Commando Regiment (1995-2000); saw active service in Iraq in 2007; and , is a Captain in the RAN Reserve where he is a legal officer. 

He was awarded the US Joint Service Commendation Medal for his service in Iraq. 

Peter was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2004 and also received the Centenary Medal.

Employer Director and Deputy Chairperson - Mark Robertson

Mark was appointed as one of three Board Directors selected by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) to represent employer members of the fund in August 2003.

Mark currently holds three additional directorship positions including:

  • Robertson Projects (Vic) Pty Ltd (property development and project management services)
  • Hotel & Leisure Management (management and ownership of hotel, gaming, food and hospitality outlets)
  • Geelong Grammar School

He is also:

  • Vice President of the Australian Hotels Association
  • Chairman of Hotelcare (the charitable arm of the Victorian Division of the AHA)
  • Councillor of the Victorian Chapter of the AHA

Mark is currently an Associate of the Australian Property Institute, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts from La Trobe University, Melbourne and was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to the community through executive roles with charitable organisations, and in particular to the hospitality sector.

Mark is also a member of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST).

Employer Director - Bevan Douglas

Bevan was appointed on 13 August 2004 as one of three Employer Representative Directors selected by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) to represent employer members of the fund.

Bevan has been involved with the AHA since 1995 and during this period has held many senior positions at State and National level.

A successful self-employed businessman for over 40 years, Bevan has run commercial businesses in the diverse and varied agriculture, retail and services industries, and has been owner/operator of hotels in Tamworth, New South Wales since 1989.

Bevan is also a member of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST).

Employer Director - Neil Randall

Neil Randall was appointed as one of three Board Directors selected by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) to represent employer members of the fund in December 2008.

Neil currently holds the position of President AHA State Council (WA Branch) and a Director of the AHA National Board.

He has been involved with the AHA since 1994 and has held several senior roles.

He and his family run the Paddington Arthouse and Karratha Tavern. 

He has been a league footballer, administrator, Director and is currently President of the Subiaco Football Club in the West Australian Football League.

Neil has worked in the hotel industry for over 30 years and is passionate about ensuring the best outcomes for the hospitality industry.

Employee Director and Deputy Chairperson - Brian Daley

Brian Daley was appointed as one of three Employee Representative Directors selected by United Voice in 2003 when the fund's current structure was established. 

He was originally appointed as a Director of HOSTPLUS in 1990.

Brian is currently also the National Industrial Officer (Industry Superannuation) of United Voice.

Brian has been continuously involved in the broader superannuation industry for over 30 years including particular involvement in the following areas:

  • As part of the advancement of award and industrial superannuation following the High Court's decision in the mid 1980's to formally recognise superannuation as an industrial issue.
  • In the development of a range of industry funds (Brian is also a Director of Australiansuper Pty Ltd). 
  • Across a number of industry representative bodies.
  • With a number of aligned investment and service companies including being a current Director of Industry Superannuation Property Trust.
  • Director of Utilities Trust of Australia.

Brian has had a lengthy involvement with United Voice including having held the position of Victorian Branch Secretary until 2007. 

He has held a number of representative positions across the industrial, labour and political movements. 

Brian holds a Bachelor of Mathematics Degree from the University of Newcastle.

He's also a member of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST).

Employee Director - Robyn Buckler

Robyn Buckler was appointed as one of three Board Directors selected by United Voice to represent employee members of the fund in August 2003.

Robyn holds the position of Assistant Branch Secretary (SA Branch) with United Voice. 

Prior to this position she was the Training Liaison Officer and the Industrial Officer also with United Voice from 1992 to 2006.

Robyn began her career as a teacher of Business and Legal Studies, before moving to Corrs Chambers Westgarth as Personnel and Training Coordinator. 

Robyn has held various board positions relating to training and skills development with both Government and non-Government bodies, however, her current board positions are as follows:

Robyn also holds a Diploma in Teaching (Commercial) from the Adelaide College of Advanced Education, and Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies from the South Australian College of Advanced Education.

Robyn is also a member of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST).

Employee Director - Troy Burton

Troy Burton was elected the United Voice Assistant National Secretary in 2007.

Troy brings extensive experience in the union movement to the position. 

He has worked in a variety of union campaigns and some very challenging workplace environments.

Before joining United Voice he worked with:

  • The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)
  • The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU)
  • The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in the USA

Related links

About us


    
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