Capturing imagination and interest: Q&A with QIC's Allison Hill

Conversations around the dinner table with her father piqued Allison Hill's interest in finance, and lead to the "dynamic" career that she now loves. Following three years as the CEO at DMP Asset Management, Allison has this week made the move from Melbourne to Brisbane for her new role as director of investments, global multi-asset with QIC. She tells Industry Moves what she's most looking forward to in the role, pays tribute to a female trailblazer, and reflects on the advice she would offer her younger self.

ALLISON HILL

Conversations around the dinner table with her father piqued Allison Hill's interest in finance, and lead to the "dynamic" career that she now loves. Following three years as the CEO at DMP Asset Management, Allison has this week made the move from Melbourne to Brisbane for her new role as director of investments, global multi-asset with QIC. She tells Industry Moves what she's most looking forward to in the role, pays tribute to a female trailblazer, and reflects on the advice she would offer her younger self.

What initially drew you towards a career in finance?

My Dad was an avid investor on a personal level. He had such a passion for it, he used to get up at 4am and listen to the international market updates on the radio, this was around his normal job as a statistician. I remember sitting around the kitchen table and he'd be talking about shares, investments and so on. When I was young and doing some baby-sitting, he got me to invest my earnings in the original Telstra and Woolworths floats, it really got me interested in the space that I now love, it's such a dynamic career.

What was the impetus to take on the role of Director of Investments, Global Multi-Asset with QIC?

Part of my functionality, which I am particularly excited about, is being an outsourced CIO for Work Cover. I am very much looking forward to working with them and helping them to meet their investment objectives through the management of their portfolio. Also, QIC is a very strong organisation with very intelligent people and fantastic capabilities, so to be able to work in this environment was very attractive.

What are you most looking forward to in taking on this new role?

I'm really excited about this opportunity and to work alongside [managing director] Jim Christensen; he's got a fantastic reputation in the industry and I'm sure I'll have a lot of opportunities to learn from him and the rest of the team. I also think it will create a great opportunity to work alongside clients and further my career as an investor. QIC is a very dynamic organisation, so there are a lot of other opportunities and projects that I'll be able to get involved in. This combination all really captured my imagination and interest.

What new skills will you bring to this role following three years as CEO of DMP Asset Management?

I'll bring a combination of skills from the entirety of my career. I spent 11 years at Frontier Advisors as a Senior Consultant prior to DMP. In these roles, I worked with clients of all different sizes and with individuals of varying backgrounds. I think I can bring a strong understanding of the interactions of different asset classes, understanding portfolio construction and, am looking forward to working with clients to help them achieve their outcomes within a risk controlled manner.

"It's so important for your personal and professional success to get a balance. There's no one magical answer, sometimes you just have to tweak your routine a little to make it all work."

Do you have an industry mentor or someone who has influenced your career in some way?

I've been lucky to have a few people that have been very supportive of me, but in particular I'd say Fiona Trafford-Walker. I worked with her for 11 years and we've maintained a close relationship since I've moved on from Frontier. I think Fiona is a trailblazer in the investment consulting industry. I respect her intelligence and her ability to navigate the industry in an ethical and friendly manner while achieving strong outcomes for clients. I'd very much like to emulate Fiona's approach in how she conducts herself in the industry.

You've made the move from Melbourne to Queensland for this new role, how are you finding the transition?

It has been a bit of a challenge, but I'm lucky that my husband has been very supportive and my children (7-year-old twin boys) have embraced the change as well. The fact that there are some lovely beaches close by and some good weather has helped convince them! The people at QIC, and in Brisbane generally, have been friendly and helpful. We're really looking forward to life in Brisbane!

Can you tell us about your very first job?

My first job was at a chemist stacking shelves. I'd catch the train in after school, still in my uniform, and I'd dust and re-stack. It wasn't the most exciting job but gave me some insight into what it was like to work. My first integration into finance was through a cadetship at Deloitte, this meant straight after secondary school I started working full-time and went to University part-time. I worked in the audit team, auditing a lot of superannuation funds. It was an amazing learning experience and it opened my eyes to the superannuation and investment industry; I worked out that was what I wanted to do.

What advice would you offer to your 21-year-old self?

I've got nieces that age and we've been having a few of these conversations lately and the biggest thing that I say is to take every opportunity that's offered to you. Sometimes, you can have a preconceived idea about what you want to do or where you want to be, but I've found that when you take opportunities that are offered to you, you learn a lot. They can help you in unexpected ways down the track. Being adaptable and open to opportunities has definitely helped me thorough my career.

How do you maintain a work/life balance?

I think that balance is incredibly important for everyone. I do work hard but my family, health and relaxation are all very important. I try to make time for everything where I can. I'll get up early to go to the gym before my children wake up, so I can be there with them in the morning. It's so important for your personal and professional success to get a balance. There's no one magical answer, sometimes you just have to tweak your routine a little to make it all work.