Pair honoured for their contribution
Acelebration of an individual’s career success and contribution to the wider finance industry, the INFINZ Fellowship was awarded jointly to Carmel Fisher and Catherine Savage.
After spending four years in sharebroking, Fisher moved into the funds management industry, and in 1998 founded boutique funds management firm Fisher Funds with her husband Hugh. Fisher Funds is now the country’s fifth largest KiwiSaver provider.
“As one of relatively few female fund managers and investment firm owners, Fisher has also blazed a trail for other women working in the financial and capital markets industry,” the awards judges said.
“Carmel has mentored, supported and encouraged lots of peers over the years and is proud to have educated and encouraged countless female investors to take control of their own finances.”
Catherine Savage, who was also inducted as an INFINZ Fellow, forged an interest in treasury and taxation early in her career.
She was appointed treasurer of the Natural Gas Corporation from 1991 to 1993, and subsequently joined AMP Capital Investors, holding senior roles at the company including as managing director from 2000 to 2007.
Savage has been on the board of the Guardians of the New Zealand Super Fund since 2009, and was appointed deputy chair in 2012, and chair in 2016.
“Catherine has been able to effect change in the industry through an inclusive approach, supporting other treasury professionals and future female leaders has been a focus,” said the judges. “Catherine also sits on the CFA Societies’ Australasian Advocacy Council. The CFA Society and INFINZ work closely together on policy matters through a Joint Advocacy Group.”