Most Influential: Richard Gilbert
RICHARD Gilbert has a reputation as a highly political animal, a man who revels in the political process of public policy.
In August, he replaced Lynn Ralph as chief executive of the Investment and Financial Services Association (IFSA), one of the country’s most influential lobby groups.
Gilbert had acted as deputy chief executive of IFSA since 1998, before which he was chief executive of the group’s predecessor, the Investment Funds Association (IFA).
“He really has a passion for the whole lobbying exercise,” panellist Ken Breakspear says. “He has the experience, knowledge and skill to act as a very good spearhead for IFSA’s lobbying in Canberra.”
Gilbert has helped build the relationships with government that has seen IFSA wield significant influence in financial services policy debates.
“Advocacy is a hobby and I’m lucky enough to be able to get paid to pursue a hobby,” he says.
The move has increased Gilbert’s influence, although the first few months of the job have been demanding.
“I entered the job at a very challenging time for the industry and investors, with our members wanting to achieve better results for their customers on a whole host of fronts,” he says.
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