Surfing NZ director Cath Lomax wins governance award

Surfing New Zealand director Cath Lomax has received an Emerging Director Award from the Auckland branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD).

Cath is the chief client officer at Fisher Funds, where she leads the client-facing and advisory teams, with over 80 team members, and has extensive experience within the financial services industry. Prior to that, she led the diversity and inclusion strategy at the BNZ, has general manager of people, and she was previously a director of the YWCA. She is a Chartered Member (CMInstD) of the IoD.

Lomax says she became interested in governance after realising how good governance can make a positive difference to people’s lives.

“Through the work that I was doing, I wanted to help create a more inclusive and prosperous NZ. As my career progressed, and I became more exposed to boards, I could see that governance and being on a board could have a really important part to play in achieving that – in all sorts of industries and areas,” she says.

Winning an Emerging Director Award will give her the opportunity to learn and expand her governance skills, she says.

“For me, it’s really about learning and gaining more experience. Having a mentor to work with, to support me, and for me to learn from I know will improve my skills as a director and expand my thinking.”

And improving her governance skills reinforces her ability to do her day job. They compliment each other very well, Lomax says.

“Being on a board really helps me in my day-to-day role, particularly thinking about the sorts of things that the board will be reflecting on and how the strategic focus plays out. I have a deep appreciation for management, in a board role, because I understand the operational pressures.”

The Auckland Emerging Director Award was established to foster upcoming talent in governance through mentoring, formal training and practical experience.

The judging panel said Cath brings a depth of experience and wealth of knowledge that would be an asset to any board.

“Her experience is extensive and varied, spanning large corporate entities in highly-regulated sectors to providing support to entrepreneurial, not-for-profit and sports organisations in New Zealand. Cath has shown remarkable leadership in diversity and inclusion, with a dedicated focus on cultivating a more equitable and prosperous society for all New Zealanders.

As winner, Cath will receive complimentary IoD membership for 12 months, complimentary attendance at all branch functions for 12 months, mentoring for 12 months and $2,000 towards professional development.

The judges said the quality candidates for the 2023 award was very high, but that Cath was a deserving winner.

“This significant achievement is indeed a testament to her capabilities.”