Leadership Team
Tony Bofinger
Chief Risk Officer
Tony joined Challenger in 2004 and was appointed Chief Risk Officer in 2018. Prior to this, Tony was Chief Financial Officer and Appointed Actuary for the Life business.
Rachel Grimes
Chief Financial Officer
Rachel joined Challenger in May 2021. Prior to this, Rachel was General Manager, Finance at Westpac Banking Corporation, having previously held several senior roles at the bank. Rachel was also President of the International Federation of Accountants until 2018 and is a Director on the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board.
Nick Hamilton
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Nick was appointed Managing Director and CEO of Challenger Limited in January 2022 and has held a number of senior executive roles at Challenger since joining in 2015, including Chief Executive, Funds Management. Prior to this, Nick held senior leadership roles at top financial services businesses across Australia, the United States and the UK.
Richard Howes
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Richard was appointed Managing Director and CEO of Challenger Limited in January 2019 and has previously held a number of senior executive roles at Challenger since joining in 2003, including Chief Executive of Distribution, Product and Marketing, Chief Executive of Life and Chief Investment Officer.Â
Chris Plater
Chief Risk Officer (Acting)
Chris was appointed Acting Chief Risk Officer in March 2024. Chris joined Challenger in 2003 and has held a number of key leadership roles across the business including CEO of the Joint Venture between Challenger and Apollo, Deputy CEO and Chief Executive of Challenger Life Company Limited.
Michelle Taylor
Chief Executive, People, Corporate Affairs and Strategy
Michelle joined Challenger in 2016 and was appointed Chief Executive, People, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability in December 2018, assuming responsibility for strategy in January 2021. Prior to this, Michelle held senior roles in corporate affairs, sustainability and strategy.
Michael Vardanega
Head of Bank Transition
Michael joined Challenger in 2006 and was appointed Head of Bank Transition in January 2021. Prior to this, Michael held the role of General Counsel and Chief Executive Group Strategy.