Hi. My name is David Heathcote, and I was appointed to the Board of Royal Far West as a Director earlier this year, and I also sit as a member of the Investment Committee.

What do you do?

My role as Director involves providing appropriate corporate governance to ensure we have a sustainable future, which includes helping set the long and short-term strategy for Royal Far West, which is implemented and managed by the CEO Lindsay Cane and her Executive Team.  The Investment Committee role involves providing appropriate governance and oversight to ensure our financial assets are appropriately managed and allocated  to derive a sustainable level of income to support the operating activities of Royal Far West.

My career

I’ve spent more than two decades working for international and investment banks in Australia and the UK. In 2009 I joined KPMG Australia, and I’m currently the Global Head of Debt Advisory and a Global Client Lead Partner. My experience includes being an activation leader for a firm-wide cultural change program, and I’ve been involved with a number of philanthropic activities.

In my day job I am fortunate to have a level of autonomy where I can find time to fulfil my Royal Far West Director responsibilities and my role on the Investment Committee.

Why were you attracted to RFW?

The combined vision, values and mission of Royal Far West are incredibly powerful enablers that form part of the Strategic Plan and give real purpose to the reason why so many people are attracted to supporting this community, including families, employees, governments and benefactors. It is largely for these reasons that I was also attracted to join the Board, in addition to my desire to help ensure Royal Far West is in a strong position to embark on its next 100 years, including future-proofing the wonderful facilities at Manly.

Whilst I have only been involved with Royal Far West for a small number of months, I have been hugely impressed by the level of professionalism, the agility and the pragmatic forward thinking to address matters at speed. These attributes, combined with the supportive and passionate nature of all the people I have met, provides a stimulating and engaging culture and environment in which to be involved.

Find out more about RFW’s Directors and Leadership team.

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