Chris Butler has in excess of 45 years experience in the financial services industry (superannuation, financial planning and employee benefits) principally as a consultant and manager, culminating in senior leadership positions of:

  • Managing Director, The Heron Partnership (July 2002 - present)

  • Deputy Chief Executive, NSP Buck (January 2000 - October 2001)

  • Executive Director, William M. Mercer (January 1999 - September 1999)

  • Chief Executive, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes (April 1995 - December 1998)

Chris's financial services experience spans clients in both the private and public sectors as well as financial institutions, multi-employer industry funds and master trusts.

At The Heron Partnership, Chris is principally involved in providing strategic leadership and overseeing the operations of the firm.

Wendy Barton has over 30 years of experience in the superannuation industry. During this time she has developed a deep understanding of the finer details around superannuation through hands on experience in plan administration, analysis, training, sales and marketing, consulting and strategic advice.

She has held a number of senior management positions, including:

  • Director, The Heron Partnership (July 2002 - present)

  • State Manager Victoria, Consulting and Distribution, NSP Buck (May 1999 - July 2002)

  • Victorian Manager, Managed Solutions, NSP Buck (May 1999 - July 2002)

  • Client Services Executive, Tailored Services, NSP Buck (May 1999 - July 2002)

  • Business Manager, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes (June 1997 - May 1999)

  • Senior Consultant, National Mutual (January 1986 - June 1997)

Wendy has successfully serviced and advised small, medium and large corporations (both in the public and private sectors), regulatory bodies, mastertrusts, financial institutions and a range of superannuation providers.

At The Heron Partnership, Wendy is principally involved in providing strategic advice, development of relationships, adding an innovative overlay and identifying market needs and responses to those needs.

Nerida Seccombe is a senior consulting actuary with over 20 years experience in the financial services industry. She provides technical and strategic superannuation and employee benefits advice to numerous medium to large corporations and the Trustee boards of their employer-sponsored superannuation funds.

Nerida has worked in a number of senior consulting roles in both Australia and the UK (London), with the more recent positions being:

  • Executive Director, The Heron Partnership (June 2010 - present)

  • Business Leader and Head of the Retirement & Financial Management Practice, Hewitt Associates (October 2005 - June 2010)

  • Principal, Watson Wyatt (August 1999 - October 2005)

  • Principal, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes/William M. Mercer (January 1995 - August 1999)

At The Heron Partnership, Nerida is principally involved in providing strategic and actuarial advice - working with our clients to take the necessary steps to implement that advice, always ensuring that outcomes are practical, commercially focused and well implemented.

Chris Butler

Our Executive Team

Key Skills and Capabilities

  • Strategic consulting and counsel

  • Business strategy

  • Leadership and management at a senior level

  • Product assessment and development

  • Client relationship management

  • Sales and marketing

  • Board experience as Director and Chairperson

  • Industry and corporate sector profile

Wendy Barton

Key Skills and Capabilities

  • Development of business strategies in financial services and related industries

  • Relationship Management and best practice methodology

  • Broad consulting capability to full range of corporate, industry and provider style clients in superannuation and related services

  • Perceptive understanding of market needs and trends and determination and courage to try new ways

  • Business growth capabilities

  • Profile in financial services industry

Nerida Seccombe

Key Skills and Capabilities

  • Development of business strategies in financial services and related industries

  • Experienced Actuary, who is technically strong, with extensive experience in superannuation and employee benefits

  • Applies analytical skills to achieve practical/commercial outcomes

  • Quick to develop relationships at all levels, including the most senior executive level

  • Solid communication skills, being able to discuss and explain technical and complex issues in a manner understood by the recipient/s

  • Responsible for the management of a number of teams, recognising that the commitment of individuals is essential to ensure the delivery of high quality services to clients

  • Broad consulting capability to full range of corporate, industry and provider style clients in superannuation, employee benefits, financial risk management and financial services

  • Superannuation industry profile