Written by:
Future Group
12 November 2026
Former Insignia Financial CEO Renato Mota joins the Future Group board.
Dr Jane Watts brings more than 30 years’ experience across banking, wealth management, technology and digital transformation to the board.
The appointments follow the recent completion of the acquisition of the Willis Towers Watson Trustee business and the subsequent internalisation of the Trustee function (previously provided by Equity Trustees).
Future Group has appointed former Insignia Financial CEO Renato Mota and experienced financial services Director Dr Jane Watts to its board.
Mota is one of Australia’s most respected financial services leaders, with more than 25 years’ experience spanning wealth management, superannuation, advice and investment banking.
He was CEO and Managing Director of Insignia Financial, formerly IOOF, from 2019 to 2024. During that time, he led the transformation of the business to an industry leader with more than $300 billion in customer assets and over two million members
Mota led the regulatory approval of more than $2.5 billion in acquisitions and oversaw significant governance and cultural reform. Earlier in his career, he led a $100 billion portfolio spanning platforms, advice and investment solutions.
“Future Group is in an exciting phase of growth and transformation, having just completed the internalisation of its trustee. I’m looking forward to working with the board to continue Future Group’s growth in alignment with its purpose,” Mota said.
Watts is an experienced board director, chair and committee member with more than 30 years’ senior executive experience across banking, wealth management and financial services. Her board experience spans ASX-listed, private and not-for-profit organisations. She brings contemporary board-level expertise in corporate governance, technology, AI, data strategy and digital transformation, complemented by her behavioural science background in remuneration, culture, leadership and performance.
She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of Liberty Financial Group, mental ill health organisation Orygen, the Westpac Foundation and the Orygen Youth Mental Health Foundation. She is also on the board of B Team Australasia which includes the Climate Leaders Coalition, where she has overseen projects on low carbon liquid fuels, carbon pricing, credible transitions to net zero and demand-side energy solutions to reduce members’ supply chain emissions.
Watts previously held senior leadership roles with Westpac, BT Financial Group, Macquarie Bank and Lendlease (when it was the owner of the MLC wealth management business). She has led major business transformations, acquisitions and divestments, with responsibility for businesses generating up to $6.9 billion in annual revenue.
“Future Group has grown significantly in the last several years and continues to be an organisation that puts purpose and members first. I’m excited to work with the board to support Future Group’s continued success,” Watts said.
Future Group CEO Simon Sheikh said the appointments were an important step in strengthening the Group’s governance and leadership.
“Renato and Jane bring an exceptional combination of financial services experience, technological leadership, board-level judgement and a clear understanding of how to lead organisations through periods of significant expansion,” Sheikh said.
“While Future Group has grown strongly in recent years, the recent completion of the acquisition of a Trustee licence is expected to unlock significant opportunity for further M&A led growth.”
“Renato’s record of transforming a major financial services business, managing complex acquisitions and strengthening governance is highly relevant to Future Group as we continue to grow.
“Jane brings deep experience across banking, wealth management, AI, technology and digital transformation, as well as a strong focus on culture, performance and responsible governance.
“These appointments are particularly exciting because they add the experience and perspective we need at a pivotal moment for Future Group as we get ready for further rapid growth.”
This year, Future Group completed the successor fund transfer of the Guild Retirement Fund into the Smart Future Trust. The Group also internalised its trustee through the establishment of Stewarda, which is responsible for the governance and oversight of the Smart Future Trust and chaired by former ASIC Deputy Chair Jeremy Cooper.
