Looking back on 2003, Ian Silk is particularly proud of the success ARF has had in winning outsourcing tenders and in third party rating surveys, which he describes as “independent verification that what we are doing, are the right things to do”.
Recent wins have included the corporate funds from companies like Egis Consulting, (which is part of GHD Consulting Engineers), Feltex Carpets, World Vision, the Children’s Medical Research Institute and Potters Industries. But the fund is certainly not resting on its laurels.
Silk says: “We are an industry fund and proud to be one, but we don’t just want ARF to be a leading industry superannuation fund. We want it to be a leading superannuation fund. We don’t benchmark ourselves against industry funds, but against the best in the business,” says Silk.
As a result, ARF continually reviews and enhances the quality of its offering wherever it can. “We are pleased with where ARF is at the moment, but we know that if we stand still, others will take over and will provide superior benefits,” says Silk.
Silk was not only nominated for heading a fund which has been innovative, but also because of the contribution he’s made to the wider superannuation industry.
“He is one of the most highly regarded people across all spectrums of our industry and his views are sought after and listened to,” said one nominator.
He is the current chair and spokesperson for the Industry Funds Forum, and is frequently called upon to provide comment at senate hearings and other forums. He is also a director of ASFA and a member of the CMSF Steering Committee.
One nominator describes his contribution as “invaluable”. “It is always very well considered and measured. He seems to go about his various industry roles in a very quiet, understated fashion, but his influence is enormous. When he speaks, people listen.”
After a stint in industrial relations and Australian Administration Services, Silk joined ARF eight years ago. The highlights, he says, have been the long-term development of ARF from being “a mono dimensional fund with one investment choice, one insurance offering and a pretty rudimentary communications program” to a fund which now has 11 investment options and is the first not-for-profit fund to allow its members to invest directly in shares.
Outside super, Silk follows the trials and tribulations of the Hawthorn football club and watches the Hawks play with his three sons. He also coaches two junior basketball teams and sometimes does a bit of surfing.
