The Winds of Change: New Leadership in Financial Services and Consultancy
March 19, 2025, 4:16 am
In the fast-paced world of financial services and consultancy, change is the only constant. Recent appointments at IQ Group and Bendelta highlight this truth. Both firms are gearing up for a new era, fueled by fresh leadership and innovative strategies.
IQ Group, a specialist in financial services, has welcomed Deborah Holtham as its Chief Strategy Officer. Holtham is no stranger to the industry. With a career spanning 25 years, she has navigated the waters of technology and business with finesse. Before joining IQ Group, she was the head of technology for service operations engineering at ANZ Bank. Her journey also includes a significant role at DXC Technology, where she led strategic growth sales for Australia and New Zealand.
IQ Group is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Australia. The firm has established a strong presence in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. However, piecing together its history is like solving a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. Despite this, the company has made a name for itself in the financial services sector, particularly in superannuation and wealth management.
Brian Peters, the CEO of IQ Group, has been at the helm for a decade. His experience with UXC, a former local IT consultancy, adds depth to his leadership. Peters and Holtham share a history, having both worked at UXC. This familiarity could pave the way for a seamless collaboration.
Holtham's expertise lies in leveraging technology to drive business value. She is passionate about the intersection of technology and human interaction. This passion aligns perfectly with IQ Group's mission to help clients enhance productivity and adapt to change. The firm aims to deliver meaningful outcomes and create lasting impacts across the industry.
With hundreds of engagements under its belt, IQ Group offers a range of services. These include strategy and management consulting, project delivery, managed services, and operational transitions. Holtham's leadership is expected to open new avenues for the firm, helping clients gain deeper insights into their business needs.
Meanwhile, Bendelta is also making waves in the consultancy space. The firm has recently strengthened its senior leadership team as it prepares to take over the prestigious AFR BOSS Best Places to Work list from Inventium. This annual list has become a benchmark for workplace excellence since its inception in 2021.
Bendelta, a perennial top ten ‘Best Places to Work’, is no stranger to accolades. The firm has been proactive in enhancing its expertise by recruiting top talent. Among the new hires is Charlotte Rush, who returns to Bendelta after a stint at Inventium. Rush has been closely involved in the ‘Best Places to Work’ evaluations since the beginning, making her a valuable asset.
Penelope Cottrill, another recent recruit, brings a wealth of experience from her time at the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. Her background includes leadership roles at Deloitte and Nous Group, where she led the national organisational performance and leadership practice. Cottrill's commitment to creating thriving workplaces aligns with Bendelta's mission.
Frankie Close also joins Bendelta as a principal in Sydney. With over two decades of organisational development experience, Close has worked with notable firms like EY and Macquarie Group. Her expertise will be instrumental as Bendelta navigates the complexities of workplace culture.
Bendelta's focus on defining what constitutes a ‘best place to work’ is timely. In an era marked by rapid change, the need for adaptable and supportive workplaces has never been greater. The firm aims to work closely with business leaders to shape environments where employees can thrive.
As both IQ Group and Bendelta embark on this new chapter, the landscape of financial services and consultancy is poised for transformation. The leadership changes signal a commitment to innovation and excellence. These firms are not just reacting to change; they are driving it.
In the world of business, leadership is like a compass. It guides organizations through uncharted waters. With Holtham at IQ Group and the new recruits at Bendelta, both firms are set to navigate the challenges ahead. They are ready to embrace the winds of change and steer their clients toward success.
The future is bright for these organizations. As they harness the power of technology and human interaction, they will redefine what it means to be a leader in their respective fields. The journey ahead may be fraught with challenges, but with strong leadership, the possibilities are endless.
In conclusion, the recent appointments at IQ Group and Bendelta reflect a broader trend in the business world. Organizations are recognizing the importance of strong leadership in navigating change. As these firms step into the future, they carry with them the hopes of their clients and the promise of innovation. The winds of change are blowing, and these companies are ready to set sail.
IQ Group, a specialist in financial services, has welcomed Deborah Holtham as its Chief Strategy Officer. Holtham is no stranger to the industry. With a career spanning 25 years, she has navigated the waters of technology and business with finesse. Before joining IQ Group, she was the head of technology for service operations engineering at ANZ Bank. Her journey also includes a significant role at DXC Technology, where she led strategic growth sales for Australia and New Zealand.
IQ Group is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Australia. The firm has established a strong presence in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. However, piecing together its history is like solving a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. Despite this, the company has made a name for itself in the financial services sector, particularly in superannuation and wealth management.
Brian Peters, the CEO of IQ Group, has been at the helm for a decade. His experience with UXC, a former local IT consultancy, adds depth to his leadership. Peters and Holtham share a history, having both worked at UXC. This familiarity could pave the way for a seamless collaboration.
Holtham's expertise lies in leveraging technology to drive business value. She is passionate about the intersection of technology and human interaction. This passion aligns perfectly with IQ Group's mission to help clients enhance productivity and adapt to change. The firm aims to deliver meaningful outcomes and create lasting impacts across the industry.
With hundreds of engagements under its belt, IQ Group offers a range of services. These include strategy and management consulting, project delivery, managed services, and operational transitions. Holtham's leadership is expected to open new avenues for the firm, helping clients gain deeper insights into their business needs.
Meanwhile, Bendelta is also making waves in the consultancy space. The firm has recently strengthened its senior leadership team as it prepares to take over the prestigious AFR BOSS Best Places to Work list from Inventium. This annual list has become a benchmark for workplace excellence since its inception in 2021.
Bendelta, a perennial top ten ‘Best Places to Work’, is no stranger to accolades. The firm has been proactive in enhancing its expertise by recruiting top talent. Among the new hires is Charlotte Rush, who returns to Bendelta after a stint at Inventium. Rush has been closely involved in the ‘Best Places to Work’ evaluations since the beginning, making her a valuable asset.
Penelope Cottrill, another recent recruit, brings a wealth of experience from her time at the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. Her background includes leadership roles at Deloitte and Nous Group, where she led the national organisational performance and leadership practice. Cottrill's commitment to creating thriving workplaces aligns with Bendelta's mission.
Frankie Close also joins Bendelta as a principal in Sydney. With over two decades of organisational development experience, Close has worked with notable firms like EY and Macquarie Group. Her expertise will be instrumental as Bendelta navigates the complexities of workplace culture.
Bendelta's focus on defining what constitutes a ‘best place to work’ is timely. In an era marked by rapid change, the need for adaptable and supportive workplaces has never been greater. The firm aims to work closely with business leaders to shape environments where employees can thrive.
As both IQ Group and Bendelta embark on this new chapter, the landscape of financial services and consultancy is poised for transformation. The leadership changes signal a commitment to innovation and excellence. These firms are not just reacting to change; they are driving it.
In the world of business, leadership is like a compass. It guides organizations through uncharted waters. With Holtham at IQ Group and the new recruits at Bendelta, both firms are set to navigate the challenges ahead. They are ready to embrace the winds of change and steer their clients toward success.
The future is bright for these organizations. As they harness the power of technology and human interaction, they will redefine what it means to be a leader in their respective fields. The journey ahead may be fraught with challenges, but with strong leadership, the possibilities are endless.
In conclusion, the recent appointments at IQ Group and Bendelta reflect a broader trend in the business world. Organizations are recognizing the importance of strong leadership in navigating change. As these firms step into the future, they carry with them the hopes of their clients and the promise of innovation. The winds of change are blowing, and these companies are ready to set sail.