NGS SUPER PTY LIMITED - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Customer Relationship Manager ( SA and WA )
Since joining the financial services sector in 1999, Ben has gained a wealth of experience within financial planning and managerial positions within Macquarie Bank and Consultum Financial Advisers. Holding a Bachelor of Management and an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning), Ben's extensive knowledge enables him to provide quality advice to our members.
Ben joined the NGS Super team in June 2018. He enjoys being around thriving school learning environments and always looks forward to meeting NGS Super members. Ben sees the opportunity to educate our members in their wealth and retirement options as not only a passion but a privilege.
Ben Facer - Chief Strategy Officer
Job Titles:
- Chief Strategy Officer
- Deputy CEO
Ben was appointed to the Executive team on 29 August 2017. As Chief Strategy Officer and Deputy CEO, Ben is responsible for the maintenance and advancement of all strategy, product, finance and business intelligence functions within the Fund. He oversees the operating framework and development of strategy that enables the Fund to continue its focus on providing valuable services for members.
Ben joined NGS following 5 years as Actuarial Consultant and Partner at Deloitte. Prior to his time with Deloitte, Ben spent almost 20 years with Mercer, initially as Actuarial Consultant, then International Retirement Consultant in London and finally Retirement Practice Leader, South Asia in Singapore. Ben holds a Bachelor of Economics (Actuarial Studies).
Ben Squires - Chief Investment Officer
Ben was appointed to the Executive team on 12 March 2018. As Chief Investment Officer, Ben is responsible for formulating both the short and long-term investment strategies, recommending investments, overseeing our team of investment professionals, and managing external asset consultants.
After working for MLC as an Investment Analyst, Ben joined the NGS Super Investments team in 2008. Ben holds a Bachelor of Business with Majors in Accounting and Finance, as well as a Master of Applied Finance.
For three years running, Chant West have awarded us as winners of the Insurance Best Fund award after assessing our policy conditions, benefit design, premiums and, ultimately, our commitment to helping out members return to work.
Job Titles:
- Certified Financial Planner
- Financial Planner
Cheryl is a Certified Financial Planner®, holding a Bachelor of Business (Accounting, Business Law and Taxation), a Diploma of Financial Planning and a Diploma of Superannuation Management. Cheryl joined NGS in July 2019, bringing with her over 17 years of financial planning experience. She specialises in wealth accumulation, superannuation and retirement planning strategies.
Cheryl's passion lies in helping our members realise and achieve their financial and lifestyle goals. Cheryl is based in the Brisbane office and regularly services our regional Queensland members.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Chairman of the Strategy and Marketing Committee
Job Titles:
- Chief Service Delivery Officer
Chris was appointed to the Executive team on 1 July 2020. As Chief Service Delivery Officer, Chris is responsible for the strategic delivery of operations through administration, insurance and helplines. He brings more than 20 years' experience across operations management, change leadership, process improvement and service, retention and growth, particularly in the superannuation space. Chris holds a Bachelor of Business from Charles Sturt University.
Darryn was appointed to the Executive team on 1 July 2021. As Chief Advice Officer, Darryn is responsible for the delivery of the financial advice service at NGS Super. He is a Certified Financial Planner® and holds a Master of Financial Planning. With over 20 years' experience in the financial services industry, Darryn has a broad depth of expertise across the financial advice sector and is passionate about the meaningful change that can be made to peoples' lives through financial advice.
As Senior Manager of Advice since 2016, Darryn has oversight of the NGS Financial Planning team and its functions. Darryn is a Certified Financial Planner® with a Master of Financial Planning. With over 17 years of experience in the financial services industry, Darryn has a broad depth of expertise across a range of financial planning strategies including pre-retirement and retirement planning strategies, risk management and wealth accumulation strategies.
Darryn joined NGS initially as a Financial Planner in 2011. Darryn is passionate about making meaningful change to peoples' lives through financial advice.
David has been a Member Director since 2 April 2022. He is an experienced education professional, and currently holds roles as Treasurer of the Teacher Learning Network, Vice President of the Independent Education Union (IEU) of Australia, and General Secretary of the IEU Vic/Tas (effective 12 May 2023). He is also a lawyer admitted before the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Job Titles:
- Employer Director
- Member of the Strategy and Marketing Committee
Deborah has been an Employer Director since 1 January 2022. She is a higher education professional, with over 30 years' experience in not-for-profit superannuation, education and community sectors. Her roles have included Sessional Lecturer in Information Management (QUT), Head of Centre for Learning and Innovation at Ormiston College, Brisbane and Teacher and Librarian at St Augustine's College, Brisbane.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Member of the Investment Committee
- Employer Director
- Member of HR, Remuneration and Governance Committee
Dr Newcombe has been an Employer Director since 1 March 2013. He has had extensive experience in school management and finance having held positions of Head and Business Manager in a number of Independent Schools. He has held a number of positions in independent schools, and in 1998 joined the Association of Independent Schools as Director of School Governance and Industrial Relations. He was the Executive Director of AIS (NSW) from 2005 to 2022.
Job Titles:
- Customer Relationship Manager ( SA )
Elaine started at NGS Super in 2000 and has over 19 years of experience in the superannuation industry. Initially employed with Independent Schools Superannuation Trust (ISST), Elaine has a number of qualifications including an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services in Superannuation and a Diploma of Financial Services in Financial Planning.
Elaine fosters a strong commitment to improving the superannuation outcomes for members and employers. She maintains a passion for making a true difference to the lives and retirement lifestyles of our members.
Emerson is a financial planner with over twenty years of experience in the industry. As a retirement planning specialist adviser who understands aged care, he is passionate about helping people learn about their finances and put them in a better position for retirement.
He is a Fellow Charted Financial Planner (FChFP), has a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning, and has met the FASEA ongoing education requirements.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Chair
- Chairman of the HR, Remuneration and Governance Committee
- Employer Director
Georgina has been an Employer Director since 1 July 2014. She has worked as Assistant Director, Principal Consultant, School Principal and teacher in Catholic Education SA and is currently an independent consultant supporting sector and school leadership in Catholic Education. She has significant experience in leadership recruitment and selection, strategic planning, risk management, human resources and school governance.
Job Titles:
- Customer Relationship Manager ( Qld )
Graham joined NGS Super in May 2019 following the QIEC Super and NGS Super merger. He holds a Diploma of Superannuation and is currently working towards a Diploma of Financial Counselling. Graham has over 33 years of experience in the financial services industry with over 11 years in banking as Manager for Westpac and Commonwealth, 15 years as Managing Partner of North Coast Finance and 7 years as Client Services Manager for QIEC Super.
Graham is focused on improving financial knowledge for our members, allowing them greater control and a better outcome for their retirement.
Job Titles:
- Customer Relationship Manager ( NSW )
James has been with NGS Super since January 2017 and holds a Bachelor of Science and a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning. With over 15 years of experience in client-servicing roles across companies including ANZ, Suncorp and Asteron Life, James is passionate about enabling members with the knowledge and tools required to make the simple, smart decisions now that will make a big difference to their retirement.
Job Titles:
- Certified Financial Planner
- Financial Planner
Jeff is a Certified Financial Planner® with over 15 years of industry experience and a Master of Applied Finance.
Jeff joined NGS in February 2018. Based in the Sydney office, Jeff specialises in pre-retirement planning, retirement strategies and wealth protection. He enjoys getting to know our members and guiding them to reach their financial goals in order to help them enjoy a worry-free retirement.
Jo was appointed to the Executive team on 24 April 2023. As Chief Growth Officer, Jo leads the overarching Growth Strategy for the Fund, focusing on retention, acquisition of new business and strategic partnership growth for the member and employer landscape.
Jo has over 25 years' experience in the superannuation industry both within retail and industry funds, having held senior roles at the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST), Rest, ME Bank, Hostplus, BT, AMP, AXA and ANZ. Jo is a Fellow of The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, holds a Diploma of Financial Planning and Diploma of Marketing, and is also a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Job Titles:
- Customer Relationship Manager ( Qld )
Kate joined NGS Super in 2019 following the merger of QIEC Super and NGS Super. With a Diploma of Superannuation Management, Kate brings over 19 years' superannuation experience to her Customer Relationship Manager role at NGS.
Kate worked in administration for Corporate Benefits, consultancy for AON Employee Benefits and product management for QSuper before moving to QIEC Super in 2017. Kate is passionate about converting the complexities of super into understandable concepts and motivating NGS Super members to create wealth that will last their lifetime.
Job Titles:
- Employer Director
- Member of the HR, Remuneration and Governance Committee
Kathy has been an Employer Director since 17 July 2015. She is an experienced executive with over 27 years in the education sector. Her roles have included responsibility for finance, compliance, risk, asset and infrastructure management, human resource management and strategic leadership and stewardship in the for-purpose sector.
Job Titles:
- Customer Relationship Manager ( NSW )
Long joined NGS Super as a Customer Relationship Manager in January 2022. He strives to nurture engagement and provide a connection with super, so members and employers understand their opportunities and responsibilities. Long wants to help members and employers make the complex simple. Through educational seminars and one-on-one meetings, he helps members understand and simplify their super and helps employers navigate the superannuation obligations.
Long has extensive industry experience having previously worked at REST, ACSRF and Legal Super. He holds a degree in Communications, Cultural Studies and Economics, and an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Risk, Audit and Compliance Committee
Mark has been a Member Director since 1 February 2023. He was an English/History teacher for over 20 years, and has also been a lecturer and practicum supervisor at Newcastle University. Mark was a member of the Quality Teaching Council from 2013-2016. Since 2001, he has worked for the IEU as an Organiser, Assistant Secretary, Deputy Secretary and Secretary.
Melissa was appointed to the Executive team on 1 July 2019. As the Chief Experience Officer, Melissa is responsible for the Fund's marketing, communications, sponsorships, and digital, providing ultimate oversight of all member and employer experience.
Melissa has 19 years' marketing experience, including roles at J.P. Morgan, ANZ, QSuper, and Telstra. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Business Communications from the Queensland University of Technology, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland, RG147 Qualifications, is a certified Direct and Digital Marketer and a fellow of the Australian Institute of Marketing.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Investment Committee
- Employer Director
Michelene has been an Employer Director since 26 August 2019. She is an experienced professional in funds management, treasury, risk management, compliance and corporate governance, and has held roles as Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director and Financial Controller and Chief Operation Officer. Michelene was most recently the Chair of Perpetual Superannuation Limited.
Natalie was appointed Chief Executive Officer on 5 June 2023, following nine months acting in the role. Natalie was appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer in August 2022, following her appointment as Chief Risk and Governance Officer in 2021, after joining the Fund in 2019. As Chief Executive Officer, Natalie is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Fund's operations while leading the Executive team in the successful execution of the Fund's business plan. Natalie holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Graduate Diploma in applied Corporate Governance, and is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia and is an admitted Solicitor in New South Wales. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Natalie brings her skills and expertise to lead the Fund and deliver successful outcomes for members.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the HR, Remuneration and Governance Committee
- Member of the Strategy and Marketing Committee
Patrick has been a Member Director since 12 May 2022. He is an experienced business owner, founder of a national communications and digital agency that employs 20 staff, with clients including the AFL, Nokia Australia and Charter Hall. His skills and experience include strategy, corporate governance, communications and business development.
Job Titles:
- Chief Risk Officer
- Chief Risk Officer and Head of Corporate Services
Philippa was appointed to the Executive team on 3 July 2023. As Chief Risk Officer, Philippa is responsible for developing, enhancing, and implementing an effective risk management framework, leading both the Risk and Governance team in the management of regulatory matters and government affairs, as well as the People and Culture Team in the delivery of human resources.
Philippa is an experienced executive with a demonstrated track record in leading risk and compliance functions across financial services through complex and challenging periods. She has over 25 years' corporate experience in the financial services sector, including roles at Allianz Australia and Insurance Australia Group. Philippa is a Chartered Accountant, holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Graduate Diploma of Accounting from the Australian National University and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Job Titles:
- Customer Relationship Manager ( Qld )
Rob joined NGS Super in 2019 following the QIEC Super and NGS Super merger. Rob has obtained a Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Advice), an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Advice) and a Certificate in Post-Retirement Planning.
Rob joined the Financial Services Industry in 2010 after working as a teacher in South Australia and Queensland for 20 years. His career path has seen him work for Collins Mann Private Wealth Management, QSuper and QIEC Super in advice, education and customer service roles.
Rob's role involves building genuine and trusted relationships with members and employers to help them take control of their financial situation and protect their loved ones. Empowering people who have worked hard all their lives to have choice and flexibility in retirement is a remit that Rob finds truly rewarding.
Job Titles:
- Customer Relationship Manager ( Qld )
Tana joined NGS Super in 2012 following the UCSuper and NGS Super merger. Tana has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry with a Diploma of Financial Services (Superannuation) and a Diploma of Financial Planning.
Tana finds fulfillment in guiding our members through the intricacies of superannuation and the options available to them. She is committed to helping both members and employers through financial education and empowerment.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Investment Committee
- Director
- Member of the Strategy and Marketing Committee
Job Titles:
- Customer Relationship Manager ( SA )
Having worked in the superannuation industry for over 22 years, Thomay is consistently guided by a strong ‘member's best interest first' principle. Thomay holds an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning) and is the Chair of Women in Super (SA), as well as a member of the Mother's Day Classic Organising Committee.
Thomay held relationship manager roles at SuperPartners and Local Super before joining NGS in 2013. She finds great reward in helping members to understand their opportunities and to achieve their personal and financial goals.
Job Titles:
- Certified Financial Planner
- Financial Planner
Toby Perkins is a Certified Financial Planner® with over a decade of experience in the industry. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Corporate Finance), a Graduate Diploma in Global Wealth Management and an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. Toby is based in Adelaide and specialises in superannuation, retirement planning and wealth accumulation.
Toby enjoys getting to know members and their own unique circumstances in the process of helping them achieve their lifestyle goals and objectives.
Job Titles:
- Certified Financial Planner
- Financial Planner
Trudy is a Certified Financial Planner® with a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning and over 20 years of experience in wealth management and financial services. Trudy is a specialist in superannuation, retirement planning and portfolio construction. Trudy joined NGS in July 2016. She is based in our Adelaide office and regularly visits Perth to service our Western Australian members.
Trudy enjoys educating our members and assisting them in removing the stress associated with planning retirement.
Job Titles:
- Certified Financial Planner
- Financial Planner
Vince is a Certified Financial Planner®, holding a Master of Commerce (Financial Planning) and a Diploma of Financial Planning. Vince joined NGS in September 2014. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Vince has extensive specialist knowledge in pre-retirement planning, retirement planning and risk management advice strategies. Vince is based in our Sydney office and regularly services our members in Canberra.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Investment Committee
- Employer Director
Wendy has been an Employer Director since 17 December 2018. She has experience in manufacturing, finance, consulting, government, multimedia, not-for-profit and education. In 2000, Wendy was appointed Business Director at Pembroke School, a senior leadership and general management role that encompasses finance, compliance, risk management, governance, human resources and strategic planning.