She brings a wealth of experience in marketing, fundraising, consumer research and customer service in the commercial, not-for-profit and public sectors to the Board.

Franks is also Chair/CEO & Founder of Women in Aid & Development, Director of Gateway Bank, a member of Peridot Directors and convenor of the Sydney Chairs Circle. In 2020, she was awarded the Member of Order of Australia for her significant service to the community through social welfare initiatives.

SMSF Association Chair, Scott Hay-Bartlem, says: “We are thrilled to have someone with Christine’s varied experiences join the Board. She will be an invaluable addition, particularly with her breadth of knowledge gained from various board appointments and experience in governance, marketing, and consumer research.

“The Association and the superannuation sector are constantly evolving and adjusting to legislative changes, so to have someone that can be a positive voice in these conversations at all levels, as well as for our members, better positions us to make the correct strategic decisions for the SMSF sector.

Franks will replace Robyn FitzRoy who retired from the Board on 23 November.

Hay-Bartlem says: “The Association is indebted to Robyn who has generously given her time and effort for the six years she has been on the Board, and we thank her for her invaluable contribution.”

Franks says: “It’s a pleasure and privilege to be asked to join the Board, and I look forward to participating in the strategic conversations about how to grow both the Association and our superannuation sector in the coming years and achieve better outcomes for our members.”

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Hamilton, who joined the board in February 2011 and was Chair from February 2012 to February 2014, takes over from Robin Bowerman, who will remain on the board as Deputy Chair.

Bowerman assumed the Chair in September 2019 after Professor Deborah Ralston stood down (her term was due to end at this conference) to avoid any perceived conflicts of interest after being appointed to the Retirement Income Review panel.

From 21 February, the board will comprise Andrew Hamilton – Chair, Robin Bowerman – Vice Chair, Robyn FitzRoy, Liam Shorte, Bernie Ripoll, Tracey Scotchbrook, Michael Houlihan and Scott Hay-Bartlem.

Bowerman says the Chair could not be in better hands with Andrew stepping into the role.

“He brings enormous knowledge of the industry, a wide experience about the Association, and a deep understanding of the issues facing our members.

“I also want to acknowledge the enormous contribution of my predecessor, Professor Ralston, in what was a challenging period for our Association, as well as the full support I received from the staff under the leadership of our CEO, John Maroney.”

Hamilton says it’s an honour to again be asked to chair the organisation. “Although our industry is in a period of enormous change, I remain confident that the new regulatory, legislative, and educational framework, which aims to raise the standards across the industry, will be conducive to a business environment in which the SMSF specialist can flourish.”

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Robyn, who is currently a Non-Executive Director of Gateway Credit Union, joins the SMSF Association Board effective 1 June 2017.

She brings more than 20 years of financial services experience at senior levels to the Board. She is a former Executive Director of Macquarie Bank (1992-2001) where she founded and led the direct retail distribution business within its financial services arm. Prior to Macquarie, she was Group Marketing and Public Relations Manager for ING Investment Management for five years.

In 2001, Robyn left Macquarie Bank to set up Ixion Corporation, a consultancy specialising in board governance reviews, board and CEO evaluations and skills audits. She has advised Chairmen and boards in both the for-profit and not for-profit arenas across Australia. This experience has given her deep insights into the culture and performance of successful boards. She remains owner and principal of Ixion.

Robyn, who has degrees from Macquarie University and the University of Technology Sydney, says that being invited to join the Board of the Association, the recognised leader of the SMSF sector, is a privilege and an honour.

“This is an organisation that punches above its weight. It has a wide-reaching sphere of influence for both advisors and trustees and a knowledgeable team that advocates superbly for the sector.

“I have deep respect for the technical expertise of my future Board colleagues and look forward to joining this team of smart, experienced professionals who partner with management to make a difference in helping Australians take control of their superannuation.”

Robyn says that boards need to be far-sighted and ambitious for the organisations they govern and serve. “What I believe I will add to the Association’s Board is considerable governance expertise, honed over 15 years as a governance consultant and board performance reviewer. And as a trustee of my own SMSF, I understand the challenges faced by trustees and their advisors in an ever-changing environment.”

SMSF Association chairman Andrew Gale says: “We are delighted that Robyn is joining the Board. She has an extensive background in marketing, governance, strategy, distribution and risk management, particularly in the financial services sector.

“Her capabilities, experience and non-executive board roles, as well as knowledge gained from her own consultancy specialising in board governance reviews, equip her well to make a valuable contribution to the Board.

“She understands the critical importance of the Association’s 2016-20 Strategic Plan, with its focus on high professional standards, education for SMSF specialists and trustees, and the need for sound, long-term public policy underpinned by research and keen debate.”

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