About me
For 13 years I led national peak bodies as CEO. I ran the organisation, answered to the board and held diverse stakeholders together through mergers, hard-fought reform and public scrutiny. I'm a lawyer by training, with 25 years in governance. I know the pressures facing member-based organisations from the inside. Members don't always agree. Regulators and the community have expectations. Decisions have to be made when the issues are contested and the room is watching.
Today I bring that experience to not-for-profits, associations, super funds and customer-owned banks as an independent adviser. My work sits across three areas: Governance, including board effectiveness and CPS 510 readiness. Codes of practice. Stakeholders and change, from complex consultations to supporting CEOs through a merger. One conviction runs through all of it. Good governance drives continuous improvement, not box-ticking compliance.
I'm best known for creating the AIST Governance Code, used by 50+ superannuation funds, and for the independent review of the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice. Much of my career was in superannuation, including as principal spokesperson for the profit-to-member sector through a Royal Commission and parliamentary inquiries. The skill travels to any organisation navigating change. It is moving high-stakes issues, and the people around them, to an agreed way forward.
I offer genuine independence. My advice is about what serves your members and your board, with no panel seat or downstream sale to protect.
If you're thinking about how well your governance is working, or facing a decision where the stakeholders are the hard part, let's talk.
Career highlights
CEO, Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (2017-2023)
Led the peak body for the profit-to-member superannuation sector, then $1.7 trillion, with a team of 38 and a $9 million budget. Created the AIST Governance Code (2017), a principles-based standard with an independent monitoring framework used by 50+ superannuation funds, and supervised its 2022 review.
Executive Manager – Governance & Stewardship, Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (2010-2017)
Built a new department to lift governance standards across the superannuation sector. Pioneered initiatives to grow women in leadership and address gender imbalance on boards. Built productive relationships with regulators and stakeholders that improved industry outcomes.
CEO, Australian Lawyers Alliance (2003-2009)
Led the national association for plaintiff lawyers and consumer advocates. Converted the organisation from an incorporated association under a federated model to a company limited by guarantee. Championed consumer rights in legal reform.
Leadership roles
Current:
Chair, Code Authority, Fundraising Institute of Australia (2025–present)
Past:
Independent Reviewer, Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice (2025-26)
Council Member, ASX Corporate Governance Council (2017–2023)
Chair, Indigenous Superannuation Working Group (2015–2023)
Chair and Vice-Chair, World Pension Alliance (2020–2023)
Member, Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Advisory Board (2012-2019)
Director, Bernie Banton Foundation (2015-2018)
Director, Australians Detained Abroad (2012-2016)
Qualifications
BA LLB (QUT). Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Mediation Certificate (Bond University).
Recent work
Independent Review of the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice (2025-26)
A comprehensive review of the code serving Australia's customer-owned banking sector. I consulted consumers, regulators and ~50 subscribing institutions to make sure the Code remains fit for purpose.
“Eva’s expertise, independence and strong stakeholder engagement were great assets in leading the review of the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice. She listened carefully to Code subscribers, consumer advocates, and regulators, maintaining impartiality while considering different perspectives. In her final report and recommendations, Eva balanced the sector’s distinctive people-first ethos with practical proposals that strengthen protections for mutual banking customers.”
Mike Lawrence, CEO, Customer Owned Banking Association