Kerrie Williams of Frontier Advisors believes her genuine interest in improving the quality of life for retirees and the broader super sector has contributed to her winning the 2017 Women in Financial Services (WIFS) Super Executive of the Year award.
“Superannuation is a dynamic and interesting area in which to work and for women who are keen to find purpose in their work, improving the quality of outcomes for everyday Australians in their retirement provides a compelling opportunity,” Williams said.
“Women understand the impact of career breaks, part-time work, pay inequity and the nature of the sectors in which many women are employed, so bring perspectives that can help to address a system that was largely established without consideration of these issues.”
Williams was praised by the judges for her 20-year career with Frontier and her role as a foundation member within the business, and is touted by peers as a quiet achiever who is well-liked and respected.
Judges said her skills in business strategy and growth, as well as her contributions to research and development of employee initiative schemes at Frontier were all testament to her dedication to her role and industry.
Before assuming her current role as director of strategy and people in July 2016, Williams was Frontier’s head of practice, and also held the position of senior consultant between 1997 and 2010.
“Overseeing our people strategy at Frontier over many years and seeing the team and individual staff develop and thrive in an environment of change has been enormously rewarding,” she said.
“It has been a significant accomplishment to see this industry-leading solution embraced by new and existing clients, supporting their decision-making and solving many of the specific challenges they face through increased regulatory pressure.”
Williams said her key focus moving forward would be greater contribution towards advocacy for diversity and inclusion within our industry.
“I also hope to contribute further to the industry through board positions, leveraging both my experience within and passion for the sector,” she said.
“The challenge of adequacy of superannuation for women requires creative solutions that will only come about with diverse minds and perspectives being applied to the issues.”
