The Future Fund, Australia's Sovereign Wealth Fund, has appointed Wendy Norris as Head of Infrastructure and Timberland.

Her promotion fills the vacancy left by Dr Raphael Arndt following his promotion to Chief Investment Officer in September 2014. Ms Norris takes up her new responsibilities immediately.

Ms Norris has been a Director in the Future Fund's Infrastructure and Timberland team since 2010. Prior to joining the Future Fund, Ms Norris was an Investment Director at Hastings Funds Management in New York, San Antonio (Texas), and Melbourne. She previously held project finance roles with ABN AMRO in Chicago and Sydney.

As Head of Infrastructure and Timberland Ms Norris will lead the continued development of the fund's infrastructure portfolio, currently valued at over $8 billion. She will help lead the construction of the overall portfolio as a member of the Investment Committee.

Dr Raphael Arndt, Chief Investment Officer said:

"Wendy is a skilled investor and a high quality leader and I am very excited about what she will bring to the Fund in her new role. She combines infrastructure portfolio management, asset management and transaction expertise with the ability to contribute to investment thinking across all asset classes. We had a strong field of candidates, but Wendy's local and international experience and her understanding of our 'one portfolio' approach to investing marked her out."

"I thank Barry Brakey, our Head of Property, who has been acting Head of Infrastructure and Timberland since September, for his leadership and capable management of the portfolio."