Former WorkCover NSW head of risk management and compliance Melanie O’Rourke has joined NSW State Super as manager of investment operations.

O’Rourke joined the $32 billion superannuation fund in mid-February and is tasked with ensuring the contractual duties of its external investment managers and custodian are fulfilled, say people familiar with the matter.

The defined benefit fund uses managers to invest in Australian and global equities and fixed interest, unlisted property, alternative assets such as infrastructure and private equity, and domestic cash. Its custodian is J.P. Morgan Worldwide Securities Services.

O’Rourke joined WorkCover NSW – the state government body overseeing workplace health and safety and workers compensation – in July 2007 as co-director of investment operations for its $12-billion insurance fund.