Qualitas appoints Head of Compliance and Legal

Real estate investment specialist Qualitas has appointed Ruth McClelland as head of compliance and legal. In a Q&A that covers comedy, theft, books and compassion, Ruth tells Industry Moves what drew her to the role, her secret talents and her view on Australian asylum seeker policies.

McClelland previously worked at listed funds management business K2 Asset Management, where she was general counsel and company secretary. She was also head of the compliance committee for K2's managed investment schemes, and head of anti-money laundering. Prior to this, she was a lawyer in the corporate group at Lander & Rogers Lawyers.

Industry Moves Q&A with Ruth McClelland

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

One of the factors that attracted me to Qualitas was the opportunity to work with the very accomplished and impressive individuals in its business and on its advisory board, which includes directors from some of Australia's biggest companies and funds. Qualitas is growing quickly, and it's great to be part of an organisation in that exciting growth phase.

How have your previous roles prepared you for this role?

My previous role as general counsel and company secretary at K2 Asset Management Holdings Ltd gave me many years of practice dealing with financial services law, anti-money laundering, general compliance and risk management, corporate governance and various commercial legal matters. The work I will be doing at Qualitas is similar, but with enough new challenges to keep it interesting!

What is one of the best pieces of advice you've ever been given?

My former boss (from my days as a young lawyer at Lander & Rogers) told me that in your career, "It's always good to have a plan B". As long as you know there is somewhere else you could go to work if you had to, you will not allow yourself to be pressured in your job, and you will be able to give the frank and fearless advice that lawyers are from time to time required to provide.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life/career?

The answer is my parents, although I suppose everyone says that, so I will add that another major influence on my life came from books. As a child and teenager I read pretty constantly - classics like Little Women and Les Miserables, and also non-fiction such as The Diary of Anne Frank - all stories about strong characters trying to determine what is the right way to live, and how to treat others. I think reading teaches empathy, and to understand the mistakes people have made so hopefully we don't repeat them.

What was your very first job?

A checkout chick at Kmart. It was a great job because you just got to talk to people all day. I once caught somebody trying to shoplift a massive TV - he thought if he just wheeled it out of the store he would get away with it.

Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?

My brother is the comedian Andrew McClelland, but most people don't know that in my uni days I also performed in a couple of comedy festivals. I also speak French and have worked as a teacher in France.

Is there a particular charity or cause that you support?

As a mum, I am horrified by the policy of both sides of Australian politics to lock up children, and also any human being simply for seeking asylum in our country. Refugees have an enormous capacity to contribute to our country. Amnesty has a great campaign going on at the moment: LOST CHILDREN