Leading from the front in superannuation
Linda Elkins has been named Superannuation Executive of the Year in Money Management/Super Review’s Women in Financial Services Awards 2013.
Elkins stood apart from her industry peers for her proven leadership abilities and her advocacy on financial literacy, particularly raising awareness of superannuation among all Australians.
Elkins has 15 years experience in the superannuation industry and was the recipient of the IFSA (now Financial Services Council) Industry Excellence Award in 2009.
She was appointed to the position of executive general manager of Colonial First State (CFS) in August 2012.
Elkins leads the CFS business that has $92.6 billion in funds under administration and over 1,100 staff.
She led the business through unprecedented levels of regulatory change such as Stronger Super and Future of Financial Advice. She provided leadership in consultations between the Government and the industry on the complex regulatory reforms.
She also deftly managed the CFS business through market fluctuations, reducing costs and improving compliance measures to benefit the business and customers.
She was responsible for devising and executing the business strategy to successfully package, administer and distribute retail funds management products. A recent example was the launch of Essential Super.
“It is my view that Linda is deserving of the Superannuation Executive of the Year having regard to her significant contributions to the Commonwealth Bank Group, its customers and the broader wealth management industry,” her nomination letter said.
Her key roles include managing the CFS brands, execution of all marketing advertising sponsorship and key event programs, platform sales for FirstChoice and FirstWrap platforms, corporate superannuation sales and retail investment sales for CFS global asset management.
She played a key role in the development of the Financial Planning Association Dollar Smart program – a financial toolkit for young people that is being delivered in school and other mediums.
Before joining CFS Linda held many roles in the superannuation industry including managing director of superannuation at Russell Investments.
She has provided a range of services including investments, consulting, administration, trustee services, member services and communications to some of Australia’s largest corporate and industry superannuation funds.
She has also worked for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission as a special adviser and for the Australian Government in the Insurance and Superannuation Commission.
An advocate for financial literacy, she is a member of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Advisory Board and the Macquarie University Business and Economics Facility Advisory Board.
She developed the IFSA Education Corner – an online portal for the delivery of member education.
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