SuperFriend appoints Elizabeth Proust AO as Board Chair

Leading national workplace mental health and wellbeing organisation, SuperFriend, has appointed prominent business figure Elizabeth Proust, AO, as the new Chairperson to its Board of Directors.

Bringing more than 30 years’ experience in senior leadership roles across Australia’s private and public sectors, Ms Proust has an outstanding record of delivering strong leadership, governance and change management in large and diverse organisations.

Along with significant experience with the ANZ Banking Group, including four years as Managing Director of ANZ’s asset finance company Esanda, Ms Proust’s other noteworthy achievements include driving a major turnaround in the services, finance and culture of the City of Melbourne in her role as CEO, and equally influential senior roles with BP, the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet, and Victorian Attorney-General’s Department. Ms Proust has attracted broad praise for her ability to drive positive change and efficiencies, and for her sound business acumen.

Joining the SuperFriend Board will add to Ms Proust’s extensive public and private sector board experience, with roles to date including Chairman of Nestle Australia Limited, Chairman of the Bank of Melbourne, Chairman of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Non-executive Director of Lendlease Corporation and Chairman of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Ms Proust was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2010 for her extensive service to the community through contributions to the arts, charities, and educational bodies.

Outgoing SuperFriend Chair and Deputy CEO AMP Capital, David Atkin, said SuperFriend was delighted to announce Ms Proust’s appointment, acknowledging that her extensive board and business experience provides SuperFriend with exceptional leadership for its continued growth.

“We are excited to welcome Elizabeth as our new Chairperson. She has a rich history of work in charitable, university and business boards, giving her a unique perspective on SuperFriend’s policies and initiatives to improve mental health and outcomes in Australian workplaces.”

“With such a vast industry experience, Elizabeth has established herself a dynamic leader with strong strategic skills who has a successful track record for change management programs in diverse organisations.” Mr Atkin added.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Proust said: “I am greatly looking forward to working with SuperFriend and its Partners to improve the mental health and safety of Australian workers and to help all workplaces to thrive.”

Ms Proust will take over from AMP Capital Deputy CEO and former Cbus CEO David Atkin who served as the SuperFriend Chairman for over three years. SuperFriend CEO Margo Lydon stated that “David has been an exceptional Chair, steering the organisation through transformational change and growth.”

“SuperFriend and Cbus will continue to have a close Partnership, alongside SuperFriend’s 24 superannuation fund partners and 7 life insurance partners. We thank David for his outstanding contribution to our continued success, and we wish him all the very best in his career.” Ms Lydon concluded.