Spotlight on Fund Operations 2025

John Baird
Chief Executive Officer, Revio Cyber Security

John is a highly experienced technology leader with a background in various leadership roles in the financial services industry.

He has held previous roles such as Director and Chief Technology Officer for Deutsche Bank in Australia, where he sat as a member of the bank operating committee; Vice President with Credit Suisse; and Chairman of the AIIA Financial Services Special Interest Group.

He has also served as Chairman of the New South Wales Government ICT Industry Advisory Panel and chaired the independent advisory panel for the NSW government on Cyber Security.

More recently he has shifted his focus to helping organizations secure themselves against modern challenges in the field of cyber security. To support this, he founded Revio Cyber Security, a consultancy that helps organizations understand the true extent of their cyber security challenges and provides them with education, processes, and tools to address these issues. John has been involved in the development of Barrenjoey, a new Australian financial services firm, since its inception to assist in the development of business practices that are secure by design, as well as a robust Information Security strategy.

He is a strong believer in ongoing education and has completed studies at Macquarie University, INSEAD, and the London Business School. Awarded the title of Adjunct Fellow of Macquarie University, he has been working with the Macquarie University Cyber Security Hub since its inception in 2016, developing courses and architecting systems within the Cyber Range Training Centre. John has designed several courses for TAFE NSW, most recently a course to teach students the skills required to work in a Security Operations Centre, including simulating breaches on the TAFE AnyTown physical simulation environment. His research interests include intelligent IoT ecosystems, Machine Learning, and the security implications of driverless vehicles.  

John is currently a non-executive director on the board of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (South-Eastern Division), and a member of the Australian Computing Society where he sits on the Cyber Security Committee, providing advice to the federal government on legislative changes.

Michelle Bower
Chief Executive Officer, Gateway Network Governance Body Ltd (GNGB)

As CEO, Michelle leads governance of the Superannuation Transaction Network (STN).
Engaging with the superannuation ecosystem’s wide stakeholder interests, she is a passionate
advocate for the STN and the efficiencies it delivers for the benefit of the superannuation
industry and fund members.

Michelle’s expertise includes cyber risk management, threats, challenges and actions to
improve cyber resilience in the superannuation ecosystem, and is passionate about continuing to
drive industry collaboration on this topic.

Michelle has over 25 years’ experience within financial services across operations and consulting
roles within the investment management and superannuation sectors including her most recent
role prior to GNGB, driving regulatory change projects, operating model design and implementation.

Michelle is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Accounting from Macquarie University.

Brendan Daly
Chief Service Officer, Rest

Brendan joined Rest in April 2019 and is responsible for the design and delivery of best-practice operations, including leading the optimisation of Rest’s end-to-end service model. He leads the management of Rest’s member facing operations, dispute resolution, technical, insurance and administration services, including management of our service partnerships, to ensure the fund delivers an outstanding end to end experience to members and employers. He is also responsible for a number of internal facing functions including strategic procurement and workplace.

Brendan has extensive experience in the financial services and wealth management industry. He previously served as Head of Product and Operations in NAB Wealth’s Corporate and Institutional Wealth division and has held senior superannuation operations roles at Colonial First State and other providers.

He has also held consulting and advisory roles, including with technology consultancy firm Wipro. He was a trustee Director of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s Officers’ Superannuation Fund from 2007 to 2008 and was a Director on the board of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees from 2020 to 2023.

He is a fellow of the Association of Superannuation Funds Australia, and holds a Master of Business, Management and Operations from the University of Technology Sydney, a Master of Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, and a Bachelor of Economics and Finance from Western Sydney University. Brendan also has completed the Company Directors Course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Katherine Forrest
Chief Operating Officer, IQ Group

Katherine Forrest is a strategic leader with over 25 years of experience in the superannuation and financial services industry. As Chief Operating Officer of IQ Group, she has played a key role in driving innovation, blending modern operational strategies with business and technology leadership. Her expertise spans project delivery, strategy, and IT management across both public and private sectors, shaping IQ Group’s consulting capabilities and redefining how clients achieve success.

A sought-after speaker on industry transformation, Katherine draws on her extensive experience to help organisations navigate change, whether through regulatory adaptation, digital transformation, or shifting consumer expectations. She has deep insights into how highly regulated industries can leverage technology and operational efficiencies to enhance customer experience, improve compliance, and drive long-term sustainability.

Katherine’s work in superannuation has also provided valuable lessons for adjacent industries, including aged care, health and retirement. As the sector faces increasing regulatory pressures, service delivery challenges, and evolving consumer demands, she shares insights from superannuation’s transformation - exploring how industry consolidation, digital innovation, and governance best practices can serve as a blueprint for aged care leaders. With a passion for driving meaningful change, Katherine translates complex industry challenges into actionable strategies, helping organisations stay ahead in an era of disruption.

James Koval
Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer, ASFA

James joined the ASFA team as Head of Policy and Advocacy this year, bringing over a decade of public policy experience working with governments in various key policy and strategic roles.  

ASFA’s policy team provides thought-leadership for Australia’s superannuation sector, advocates for efficiency, sustainability and trust in Australia’s world-class retirement income system and works to ensure all Australians are able to have a dignified retirement. 

Prior to joining ASFA, James has worked as a government engagement specialist in the Vice-Chancellor’s office at the University of Sydney and prior to that worked in various roles across government, including for treasurers, government leaders, and senior cabinet ministers.

James holds a Bachelor of International Relations from the Australian National University and is undertaking a Master of Public Policy at the University of Sydney.

Cheng Lim
Partner, King & Wood Mallesons

Cheng has extensive experience in privacy, data breaches and data security and is the global leader for the KWM cyber security initiative. In recent times has been focussed on assisting clients in their investigation of, and dealings with regulators and customers in relation to, data security breach incidents.  He often the first port of call when a cybersecurity incident occurs and has assisted clients in managing recent high profile privacy incidents and the consequential regulatory investigations.

Frank Lombardo
Chief Executive Officer, ANZ, MUFG Retirement Solutions

Frank Lombardo is the Chief Executive Officer, ANZ, MUFG Retirement Solutions, a division of MUFG Pension & Market Services. Frank is a seasoned financial services executive with over 30 years of experience in insurance, superannuation, retirement, and banking. He is passionate about delivering client-centric outcomes by integrating people and technology to create deeper, more personalised client relationships.

Before this role, Frank was Chief Operating & Technology Officer at Insignia Financial. Frank’s career includes extensive experience in transformation, technology, client service, product innovation and operations leadership across Australia’s financial services sector, including organisations such as IOOF, NAB, Aviva and MLC. He is an energetic and passionate leader with a proven track record of delivering superior outcomes for clients and business partners. He has successfully led and motivated large, complex, and high-performing teams with strong engagement and enablement scores and outcomes.

Maree Pallisco
Partner - National Superannuation Leader, Financial Services, EY

Maree Pallisco is a Partner in EY’s Financial Services Office and EY’s National Superannuation Leader and leads a number of internal audit and external audits. She has over 25 years’ experience with EY and over 29 years’ experience in the superannuation industry.

In addition to her audit experience, Maree has extensive experience working alongside clients to develop strategic plans and define future business objectives and strategy to meet these, as well as ongoing monitoring and reporting.

Her role has recently seen her complete CPS 230 readiness assessments, act as APRA’s independent expert reviewer and performing merger and successor fund transfer due diligence for funds and employers.

Maree is passionate about future proofing the Industry.

Rachel Reynolds
Head of Operations, Vangard

Rachel is responsible for enabling the delivery of a superior member experience through partnerships with Vanguard Super’s providers. Rachel has 25 years of experience working in senior operational roles across the financial services industry including superannuation, financial advice and insurance. Rachel was appointed as Head of Operations, Vanguard Super on 8 April 2020.

Reynolds was most previously the executive manager for operations at CareSuper, a role she held for nearly five years. She also has experience with Guild Group and Herbert Geer in operations and administration roles.

Mitch Riley-Meijer
Cyber Risk and Incident Response Manager, Mills Oakley

Mitch is a cyber security expert who specialises in major incident response and cyber risk management. He has 15 years of experience in Australian Government national and cyber security and previously led incident response for the Australian Government in Critical Infrastructure. Mitch has coordinated whole-of-government responses to major cyber security incidents and substantial data breaches impacting millions of Australians, including incidents impacting Critical Infrastructure operators in the financial services, health, energy, water, and transport sectors.

Mitch has both a technical and strategic background, having worked closely with senior executives, company boards and senior government leaders on the design and delivery of cyber security strategies and resilience uplift plans to align organisational security objectives to business process, enabling successful, secure, business outcomes.

Dr. June Smith
Deputy Chief Ombudsman, Australian Fund Complaints Authority (AFCA)

Dr. June Smith is a proud Kureinji woman. As an ethicist and lawyer, she is a recognised expert in Australian Integrity frameworks, including Codes of Practice, and has significant experience as an independent decision maker. She is the Deputy Chief Ombudsman of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, where she leads AFCA’s approach to its Fairness Jurisdiction, including leadership of its ombudsman, adjudication, panel, systemic issues and jurisdiction teams. Dr Smith also proudly sponsors AFCA’s work on accessibility, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Dr. Smith’s current external roles include Deputy Chair of the Victorian Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board, Member of the National Sports Tribunal and Member of the Victorian Racing Tribunal. She is also on the Executive Committee of Australian New Zealand Ombudsman Association.

Dr. Smith is an Adjunct Professor at Victoria University. She has a PhD in Law from Victoria University, specializing in professional and business ethics and organizational decision-making within financial services organizations. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Melbourne.

Violette Stewart
Chief Risk Officer, SS&C

Violette Stewart is the Chief Risk Officer in Australia, joining SS&C in 2024.

Violette has over 20yrs experience in Risk and Compliance, having previously led the Risk and Compliance team at ISPT and the Australia Post Superannuation Scheme (APSS), as well as acting as the Company Secretary for the APSS Board.

Violette has diverse and extensive industry and financial services experience in superannuation, funds management, custody, registry and banking. She has worked for global and national companies in Australia which include Australian Catholic Superannuation, Russell Investments, RBC Dexia, QBE Insurance and Westpac.

Violette holds a Bachelor of Law, Bachelor of Business, Certificate 3 in Financial Services, RG 146 Superannuation and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.