Melanie Willis - public company experiences

Melanie is an investment banker by background with experience in structured finance, capital structure, hybrids and infrastructure advisory. She has a Masters of Tax, Bachelor of Economics and completed the company director and securities institute courses and clocked up more than 15 years of experience in investment banking at Deutsche Bank, Bankers Trust and Westpac.

Melanie started her Board career on the Board of a state government fleet leasing enterprise just over two years ago. Her first bard seat was secured through client connections with the State Government.  Shortly after joining this Board she was approached by a head hunter to join the Board of Hydro Tasmania. They were looking for a person with strong skills in finance and risk management. She was then approached by the same head hunter to join the Board of WHK (an ASX listed accounting and financial planning organisation with a market capitalization of $680m and over $7billion funds under management). In August last year she joined the Board of another ASX listed Board Aevum, a retirement village and aged care operator with a market capitalization of $380m.

"Whilst it may be difficult to secure your first Board it is worth the effort (be persistent). I am of the view that my Board experience has provided me with the opportunity to work closely with very high quality experienced individuals with significantly different skill bases to mine and also broaden my experience from finance and investment banking into strategy, HR, IT, compliance and the broader workings of an organisation."

Melanie is in the process of establishing a new finance company, SmartRate Money, as the chief executive officer which will launch later this year.

Melanie would be delighted to talk to WOBers who are board aspirants and can be contacted at melanie.willis@smartratemoney.com.au