Vale Helen Hewett AM

Helen Hewett, former chief executive of Cbus Super from 1997-2004 and founding member of Women in Super, has died this week.

In a statement, Cbus Super said it was “deeply saddened” by the news and honoured Hewett for her contribution to advocacy in the workplace and women in super.

Hewett had served as Cbus Super deputy secretary from 1995 to 1997 and as its chief executive from 1997 to 2004.

She was also one of the four founding members of Women in Super, an organisation that supported the interests of women in the superannuation industry and played a lead role in achieving meaningful policy change for women’s retirement security.

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Women in Super paid tribute to the life and work of Hewett saying her passion for improving people’s lives, from mental health in the workplace to women’s financial security and representation in the industry, had driven the organisation to achieve better outcomes for women.

Some of her most significant changes were negotiating increases in death and total and permanent disability (TPD) cover and founding Superfriend through partnerships with the group insurance sector after seeing the need for greater support for mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for which she was awarded an Order of Australia medal.

Extending its sympathy to Hewett’s family, Cbus highlighted her vision and astute leadership of the superannuation industry.

“As CEO of Cbus Super, Helen’s determination to see members retire in comfort and dignity inspired all of those around her,” Cbus said in a statement.

“Under Helen’s tenure the funds under management grew fourfold, she expanded member access to personal risk insurance, through investment in building and construction created jobs for members and took a leadership role on issues of responsible investment.

“Helen was CEO during a period that was instrumental in establishing Cbus’ strong member-focused culture and the distinguishing business model of profit for member funds.

“Helen was a passionate advocate for an industry response to suicide prevention and the impacts of mental illness on members. As a result of Helen’s vision, evidence-based mental health tools are now available to over half of Australia’s workplaces, significantly changing the workplace landscape in Australia.

“Helen’s legacy can be seen in skylines of our major cities, the increased retirement savings of Australian women and in the support given to workers when they are most in need.”