Q&A with BT Financial Group's new Independent Director
Lorraine Berends has been appointed as an independent non-executive director on BT Financial Group's REAT boards. The 30-year veteran of Australian financial services tells Industry Moves how much she is looking forward to putting to good use the experience and skills she has gained from the superannuation and investment industry. And why she can make a mean milkshake!
Lorraine Berends has been appointed as an independent non-executive director on BT Financial Group's REAT boards. The 30-year veteran of Australian financial services tells Industry Moves how much she is looking forward to putting to good use the experience and skills she has gained from the superannuation and investment industry. And why she can make a mean milkshake!
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
Firstly I'm looking forward to putting to good use, in a non-executive role, the experience and skills I've gained from my 30+ years in the superannuation and investment industry. And secondly I'm thrilled for the opportunity to be involved with such a professional, talented and enthusiastic group of individuals as I've found at BTFG - all of whom are as totally committed to our customers as I am.
How have your previous roles prepared you for this role?
My whole career has focussed on providing advice and strategic direction - whether it has been as a consultant to a superannuation fund, or as an investment manager, or as a director on the boards of various industry associations. Primarily it has been about the retirement outcomes provided for members of superannuation funds. My new role calls on both my executive experience in the superannuation and investment industry and my extensive board experience in such a fabulous way.
What do you think will be your biggest challenge in the first 12 months?
One of the reasons I was attracted to this particular non-executive director role was the opportunity to get involved with a large, multi-faceted organisation. My biggest challenge, and one I am already enjoying, is getting my head around BTFG's broad touch across our industry.
Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? And why?
I most definitely fit the definition of an extrovert. I am energised by the company of others, be it in a work environment or with family & friends. At the same time though, I enjoy my own company. I have worked alone in an office for the past 15 years and just loved closing the door and getting on with things.
What was your very first job?
My first part-time job was in a milk bar as a 15 year old. I made a mean milk shake. My first "real" job in 1979 was as an actuarial trainee in the superannuation department of National Mutual - how lucky was I to happen upon one of the greatest growth industries of our time when most people didn't know what superannuation meant!
Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?
I asked my husband to help with this one. He reckons I am extraordinarily good with children - particularly our 7 grandchildren!
Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?
The two organisations close to my heart are the Mother's Day Classic and Australia for UNHCR. The Mother's Day Classic has raised millions of dollars for breast cancer research since its inception in 1998 - too many of my friends have suffered from this terrible disease. My involvement with Australia for UNHCR has taught me that even very small things can make an enormous difference to the life of a refugee.
