AdviserVoiceFEAL Archives - AdviserVoice

FEAL and T. Rowe Price Launch Personal Resilience Program For Members

Tue, 12 Aug 2014 21:40:41 +0000

: Joanna Davison

Fund Executives Association Ltd (FEAL) and global asset manager T. Rowe Price have launched a National Resilience Program to foster sustainable leadership within the funds management industry.

FEAL CEO Joanna Davison said the initiative, proposed and sponsored by T. Rowe Price, aims to empower members with skills and insights to operate as resilient leaders in a challenging industry.

“The increasing incidence of stress in our lives affects our ability to perform on a sustainable basis,” Ms Davison said.

“Executives in super funds have had an unprecedented level of change thrust upon them in recent years including regulatory change, fee pressures and volatile market conditions; the list goes on and it’s not slowing down.

“At FEAL we don’t just focus on professional development, we also want to help members lead healthier, happier and more resilient lives, so together with T. Rowe Price, we’ve sought a way to address these very important issues and support at a personal, organisational and industry level.”

The Program will comprise keynotes at FEAL events, workshops, online materials and a Resilience Scholarship awarded to the fund that has shown most commitment to learning and personal growth within its organisation. The leadership team of the winning fund will receive a full day workshop on resilient leadership led by internationally acclaimed mental resilience expert and author Kamal Sarma, also CEO of strategic leadership development firm Rezilium, the Program’s facilitator.

Mr Sarma draws on his diverse education, corporate experiences and personal journey to inspire greater resilience and leadership in people. He will work closely with Murray Brewer, T. Rowe Price Head of Relationship Management in Australia and New Zealand, to execute the program.

“The business of investing is long-term with many ups and downs along the way, so we are delighted to share our experiences working with Kamal for the benefit of the industry.

“Investors place enormous trust in their superannuation funds and expect those who are responsible for them to perform resiliently over the long term, so it is vital we embrace the tools and insights that best equip us to stay the course and deliver best possible outcomes and experiences.”

The post FEAL and T. Rowe Price Launch Personal Resilience Program For Members appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Leeanne Turner named FEAL Fund Executive of the Year

Thu, 07 Aug 2014 21:55:26 +0000

Leeanne Turner

Leeanne Turner, Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund (MTAA Super), has won the 2014 Fund Executive of the Year award as presented by Fund Executive Association Limited (FEAL) and AMP Capital./h3>

The 13th annual award, which recognises the work of outstanding leaders in the Australian superannuation industry, was presented this evening at a gala dinner at The Hilton in Sydney.

Ms Turner has more than 25 years’ experience in the industry and has been the CEO of MTAA Super since 2011.  She has worked for organisations such as AVSuper, Military Schemes Secretariat, the Department of Defence and ComSuper.

AMP Capital Head of Institutional Business John Meagher said: “Leeanne is a worthy winner of the Fund Executive of the Year award having steered MTAA Super through a time of intense change for the industry.  She has implemented major reforms to the administration and strategic direction of the organisation, developed a culture of continuous improvement and successfully repositioned the fund to the motor trades sector.  Leeanne has also contributed to the industry more broadly through her involvement with Women in Super and as a board member of Industry Super Australia.”

FEAL Chief Executive Officer Joanna Davison added: “Leeanne stands out as a fund executive of conviction and commitment.  Her contribution not only to MTAA Super but to the industry as a whole is to be commended and I am delighted she has won this year’s award.”

It is the second year in a row that a woman has been named Fund Executive of the Year, with Energy Super CEO Robyn Petrou taking out last year’s prize.  Mr Meagher commented: “The fact that two women have taken out the award in consecutive years shows the calibre of female talent in our industry and proves there is no shortage of female role models for up-and-coming executives.”

The winner of the Fund Executive of the Year award receives a $20,000 executive education grant to allow them to take time out from the workplace to reflect and refine their skills at some of the world’s most renowned business schools.  For example, previous winners have used the grant to attend a leadership course at the London Business School.

Ms Turner said: “I’m honoured to have won this award and would like to thank both FEAL and AMP Capital.  The last two years have been challenging but immensely rewarding professionally and I am excited to continue my professional development with the executive education grant, which will help maximise my contribution to both MTAA Super and the industry.”

The post Leeanne Turner named FEAL Fund Executive of the Year appeared first on AdviserVoice.

FEAL partners with La Trobe Financial on 2014 CIO & COO Awards

Tue, 03 Jun 2014 21:45:20 +0000

Joanna Davison

FEAL has partnered with La Trobe Financial for the next three years in operating the CIO & COO Awards and has announced the date for this year’s Awards ceremony.

Tuesday, 11 November 2014 is set for the industry’s Annual National Awards for Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO). The Awards, established in 2011 by La Trobe Financial, a leading credit specialist Fund Manager, aim at recognising excellence and continued professional development in the superannuation industry.

The Awards are the only one of their kind and have proved to be very popular with industry participants, because they are personal and reward recipients with a study grant of $10,000 each. “The two of us working together felt like a natural fit” said FEAL CEO Joanna Davison, …”like the FEAL Fund Executive of the year Awards, the La Trobe Financial FEAL CIO & COO Awards will complement our current recognition of industry leaders”. These Awards recognise the important achievements of key executives responsible for the retirement savings of our fellow Australians.

FEAL will now takeover the running of the Awards with La Trobe Financial as lead Sponsor. The Awards cocktail format will be retained and will continue to benefit from the independent Awards Judging panel which includes Greg Bright as Awards panel Chair, Greg O’Neill (La Trobe Financial), Chris Page (Rainmaker), Jeff Bresnahan (SuperRatings), David Coogan (PwC), and Neil Cochrane (Chairman of FEAL).

Applications will open at the end of June and can be accessed through the FEAL website or www.CIOCOOAwards.com.au.

The La Trobe Financial FEAL CIO & COO Awards are open to staff in like positions at fiduciary funds, including superannuation funds, government funds, statutory insurance funds, and multi-managers funds.

Last year’s winners were Gerald Parlevliet, the CIO of the big corporate superannuation fund for Commonwealth Bank staff, Commonwealth Bank Group Super, who won Chief Investment Officer of the Year.

The Chief Operating Officer of the Year was won by Graeme Arnott, the COO of the NSW Government fund, First State Super. The award ceremony was attended by over 150 industry participants. Joanna Davison, CEO of FEAL said the FEAL Board is excited to be taking on the CIO & COO Awards as they believe these Awards are very important for industry. Davison stated “FEAL is proud to be able to take on these important Awards with La Trobe Financial and to see the Awards move to the next level. The Awards encourage decision makers to continue to pursue world’s best practice investment and operational strategies and processes in our superannuation industry. The continually changing regulatory and investment environment present challenges for investment professionals, and the La Trobe Financial FEAL CIO & COO Awards recognise the important responsibility placed on CIOs and COOs in our industry.”

La Trobe Financial as lead Sponsor, will also sponsor the prize money of $20,000. Greg O’Neill, La Trobe Financial’s President & CEO stated “joining forces with FEAL was the right partnership for us, as FEAL has a special focus on recognising efforts made by decision makers looking after our retirement savings. It is clear to us that our retirement savings are in good hands, and from what we have seen over the past decade their performance has been exemplary and deserves recognition.”

The Awards will continue the same format and the winners will be announced at a cocktail party scheduled for Tuesday, 11 November 2014.

The post FEAL partners with La Trobe Financial on 2014 CIO & COO Awards appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Customer loyalty survey sees super funds increase member engagement

Thu, 28 Nov 2013 20:50:50 +0000

Survey results an important tool for super funds looking to boost member engagement.

Results from the 2013 Net Promoter Score Survey, developed as a joint initiative of the Fund Executives Association (FEAL), Customer Service Benchmarking Australia (CSBA) and Melbourne Business School (MBS) were yesterday described as an important tool for super funds looking to boost member engagement and more closely align fund management with member participation needs.

The Net Promoter Score Survey (the Survey), now entering its sixth year, is designed to benchmark customer satisfaction by assigning each participant a net promoter score (NPS). The NPS is a metric derived from survey responses to the question “how likely are you to recommend” and is a widely used measure of customer loyalty around the world.

Pat Heaslip, Research Director of CSBA, said that this year over 30 superannuation funds from around Australia were involved in the Survey.

“We interviewed 200 super fund members from within each of the funds,” she explained, “which equates to over 6000 interviews. This gave us a real insight into what drives customer satisfaction. In addition, we interviewed 50 employers from 11 funds to assess their satisfaction in dealing with superannuation funds. ”

Joanna Davison, acting CEO of FEAL, explained that in Australia, a positive NPS is seen as a great result for any industry.

“On that basis the results for the super funds involved in the survey were excellent”, she said “in that the overall NPS remained positive among members.”

For those super funds which participated in the Survey, results were then analysed at a workshop held at Melbourne Business School and facilitated by a specialist in the field, Associate Professor Don O’Sullivan.

Ms. Heaslip said that participants were united in their praise of the benefits they received from participation in the Survey and subsequent workshop.

“A number described the program as well-rounded and thorough,” she said, “and others said that the insights it offered around member engagement and satisfaction were extremely valuable and applicable to future strategy and planning initiatives.”

Ms Davison concluded by saying that for super funds looking to measure and improve member satisfaction and retention, the Survey is a great, cost-effective initiative.

“It has become the recognised industry benchmark,” she explained “and as a result, a number of Boards and CEOs now require a benchmarked NPS in their regular reporting.”

FEAL and CSBA are both committed to this Survey and its long term success as the industry’s benchmark. We would encourage all super funds to participate next year.”

The post Customer loyalty survey sees super funds increase member engagement appeared first on AdviserVoice.

FEAL CEO Departs

Thu, 10 Oct 2013 20:35:13 +0000

Fund Executives Association Ltd (FEAL) has announced that its CEO Michael Baldwin will depart later this month. Joanna Davison, who has previously held senior positions at Colonial First State Global Asset Management and Russell Investments will be appointed to the role of acting CEO while the FEAL Board undertakes a recruitment process.

FEAL Chair Neil Cochrane said: “Michael has made an enormous contribution to FEAL over the past 12 years, and leaves the Association in a very healthy position.

“Under his leadership FEAL has provided fund executives with unique opportunities to learn and develop and to extend their professional network. In Michael’s time as CEO, FEAL established the industry’s first Masters Degree in Leadership (in partnership with Melbourne Business School), initiated the Fund Executive of the Year Award recognizing outstanding leadership in super, founded a mentoring initiative, several international scholarships and has delivered many successful Forums and Conferences. As a result we are well placed to continue to build on Michael’s legacy. The FEAL Board thank Michael most sincerely and wish him continued success in his career,” said Neil Cochrane.

Michael Baldwin said: “It has been an incredible privilege for me to work with fund executives around Australia. FEAL has, and will continue to play, an important role in supporting the development of the superannuation industry. With a membership representing a significant portion of Australia’s retirement savings (forecast to grow to $4 trillion in the next 10 years*) the influence of the sector, in dollar-terms, will soon eclipse that of the Australian banking system. FEAL will support its members in preparing for the responsibilities and obligations that come with trust on a significant scale. “

Neil Cochrane said: “We are fortunate to have secured the support of Joanna Davison as interim CEO while we search for a suitable replacement for Michael. Joanna has been a valued friend and associate of FEAL for many years and brings extensive knowledge, industry networks and experience in stakeholder management.”

Michael leaves FEAL to take up the position of Assistant Director, Development, Marketing and Commercial Operations at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. Prior to joining FEAL, Michael held senior positions at the Powerhouse Museum (Sydney) and the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA).

The post FEAL CEO Departs appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Energy Super’s Robyn Petrou awarded Fund Executive of the Year

Wed, 07 Aug 2013 21:55:07 +0000

Robyn Petrou

Energy Super’s Robyn Petrou has been named the winner of the 12th Annual Fund Executive of the Year Award by the Fund Executive Association Limited (FEAL), in partnership with AMP Capital.

The prestigious award recognises outstanding leadership, innovation and achievement by a fund executive within the Australian superannuation industry.

The Fund Executive of the Year Award was presented last night at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne. FEAL has been providing dedicated support to the professional development of leaders in superannuation for the past 14 years.

Energy Super’s Chief Executive Officer Robyn Petrou was selected for demonstrating exceptional leadership through the launch and growth of Energy Super and spearheading an internal review of processes and systems to align the new fund with its members.

AMP Capital’s Head of Institutional Business John Meagher said Ms Petrou had shown considerable leadership and strategic vision to navigate the fund through a period of considerable change and challenges for the industry.

“Robyn has focused on the needs of its members and the opportunities for growth. She continues to provide certainty for Energy Super’s members through her clear and decisive leadership and dedicated member services,” Mr Meagher said.

Ms Petrou was selected for the award by a panel of industry leaders and peers. As part of FEAL and AMP Capital’s commitment to supporting professional development, Ms Petrou will receive a $20,000 education grant to study at an internationally recognised business school.

On winning the award Ms Petrou said: “I am overwhelmed to have been named the Fund Executive of the Year and am deeply honoured to be recognised by my peers in the superannuation industry. It is a tribute to the fantastic work of the Energy Super team.”

FEAL’s Independent Chairman Neil Cochrane said: “Robyn is a wonderful role model and example of a leading fund executive. Her integrity, focus and innovative vision demonstrate her commitment and leadership of Energy Super and she is a worthy recipient of the award.”

The post Energy Super’s Robyn Petrou awarded Fund Executive of the Year appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Michael Dwyer AM awarded Fund Executive of the Year

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 21:30:28 +0000

First State Super’s Michael Dwyer AM has been named the winner of the 11th Annual Fund Executive of the Year Award by the Fund Executive Association Limited (FEAL), in partnership with AMP Capital.

The prestigious award recognises outstanding leadership, innovation and achievement by a fund executive within the Australian superannuation industry.

The Fund Executive of the Year Award was presented tonight at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Hotel. FEAL has been providing dedicated support to the professional development of leaders in superannuation for the past 13 years.

First State Super’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Dwyer was selected for demonstrating exceptional leadership during the merger between First State Super and Health Super and taking an innovative approach in establishing a post-merger business structure.

AMP Capital’s Head of Institutional Business John Meagher said Mr Dwyer has driven the growth which has seen First State Super become Australia’s third largest superannuation fund.

“Michael has shown great leadership and sensitivity through an impressive period of growth,” Mr Meagher said.

“His open and communicative strategy has fostered a shared culture across the merged Fund and has led to an exceptional member retention rate and has prepared the business for major industry reform.”

Mr Dwyer was selected for the award by a panel of industry leaders and peers.

As part of FEAL and AMP Capital’s commitment to supporting professional development, Mr Dwyer will receive a $20,000 education grant to study at an internationally recognised business school.

On winning the award Mr Dwyer said: “I am greatly honoured to receive this prestigious award. It is an overwhelming experience to be recognised by my peers in this industry and it is a tribute to the great support from First State Super.”

FEAL’s Independent Chairman Neil Cochrane said: “We are very glad to be able to recognise Michael with this award. For so many years he has been the outstanding example of the finest qualities in the industry, expressing the highest integrity, co-operation, humility and foresight.”

The post Michael Dwyer AM awarded Fund Executive of the Year appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Industry scholarship awarded

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 23:47:41 +0000

Fund Executives Association Ltd (FEAL) and Fidelity Worldwide Investment are pleased to announce Jo Townsend, General Manager Investments, REST Industry Super as the recipient of this year’s CIMA Scholarship.

Delivered in partnership with Fidelity Worldwide Investment, the Scholarship will enable Jo to undertake the five-day Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) course which forms the internationally recognised core accreditation of the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA).

Upon receiving the Scholarship, Jo said “I am very excited to have been chosen as this year’s Scholarship recipient. I have heard such great things about the quality of CIMA and can see that its content is very closely aligned to my role at REST.”

Gary Bailey, Head of Fidelity Worldwide Investment’s Institutional Business, said, “The CIMA Scholarship is aimed at helping already successful investment specialists to enhance their knowledge and understanding of capital markets at a time when investment practices become increasingly sophisticated. We received over twice the usual number of scholarship applications this year demonstrating that this is clearly an area of increasing interest and concern for super funds. Fidelity Worldwide Investment is pleased to assist FEAL in providing this valuable Scholarship opportunity.”

The Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) program covers valuable issues for fund executives, particularly investment specialists who deal directly with asset consultants. The course will address issues including:

Due diligence and manager selection
Performance measurement & attribution
Investment policy
Asset allocation
Risk management
International financial markets & diversification.

The post Industry scholarship awarded appeared first on AdviserVoice.