Chris Clausen on life after Super

Chris Clausen spent nearly seven years as CEO of Health Super before its merger with First State Super in 2011, and a further 18 months as deputy CEO of the merged fund before deciding it was time for a change. Chris tells Industry Moves about his new role with the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance. He also shares a valuable lesson learnt from his time as CEO, and that a return to Super is not off the table.

Why did you leave financial services?

Some 18 months after the merger of Health Super and First State Super, I felt that my work had been done. As the CEO of Health Super, I felt that I had successfully shepherded through the merger. The time was right for another challenge and chapter in my career. In my new role, I have not left financial services as such.

What are you doing now?

I am working for the Victorian State Government in the Department of Treasury and Finance as the director, shareholder advisory services. This role entails:
The monitoring and governance oversight of about 35 government business enterprises, whose core activities are commercial in nature;
Overseeing the Land and Property Group, which provides advice to government, departments and agencies relating to future uses or disposal of surplus government property; and
Overseeing VicFleet, which provides centralised management, policy advice and financial management of the Victorian Government motor vehicle fleet of some 8500 vehicles.

What are you most enjoying about your current role?

The diversity of the role is probably the most appealing aspect for me. Interacting with the three distinct teams (approximately 45 staff) also appeals.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Being the CEO of Health Super for nearly seven years and guiding the transformation of the business and its people.

Who do you admire and how have they influenced your life/work?

I was very fortunate with my former chair at Health Super, Garry Richardson, as he was there for sound advice, when I needed him. As a former CEO, Garry understood the stresses and strains that CEOs are under.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

I am not sure that I was given it, but I certainly learnt it quickly that as CEO, you are never going to please all of the people all of the time. In addition, my father told me that "if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well".

Would you consider another role in financial services (exec or non-exec)?

I would always consider another role in financial services and, without being ageist, I am probably nearing the stage in life where it would be a role as a non-executive director of a financial services entity or preferably a superannuation fund.

Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?

I consider I have a few secret skills/hidden talents, but my family would heartily disagree.

Is there a particular charity or cause that you support?

I have three main charities that I support, but probably my favoured one is the Salvos as they are there for the homeless and less fortunate in our society, and there, but for the Grace of God, we all could go.