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Beverly Smith
Executive General Manager Residential Communities at Australian Unity
Professional Background
Beverly Smith is a distinguished figure in customer innovation, particularly noted for her advocacy on behalf of older Australians. Her commitment to improving the lives of seniors has earned her prestigious recognition, including the national Good Design Award in the Business Model Innovation category. Furthermore, she has been honored as a finalist for the Executive of the Year – Innovation and Design category by The CEO Magazine, emphasizing her exceptional capabilities in leading transformative initiatives across various sectors.
With an extensive career spanning over a decade, Beverly has developed a keen expertise in customer-led transformation within highly regulated industries such as Aged Care, Retirement, Education, Banking, and Insurance. Her diverse professional journey reflects her passion for working within For Purpose organizations that prioritize making a positive impact on both customers and communities. Beverly has dedicated much of her recent career to mutuals and non-profits, illustrating her deep commitment to service-focused organizations.
Beverly's leadership style is characterized by inspiring teams to foster a culture that prioritizes meaningful customer and employee outcomes. Her strategic vision effectively balances commercial focus with a commitment to delivering enhanced customer experiences. By optimizing the performance of existing business operations, Beverly has been able to fund innovative growth platforms, such as developing new business models, forging strategic partnerships, and navigating mergers and acquisitions.
Moreover, Beverly's background as a commercial lawyer fortifies her impressive skill set, endowing her with substantial experience in corporate governance and risk-weighted decision-making. This unique combination of legal expertise and executive leadership positions her as a valuable asset to any organization she supports, particularly in steering complex transformation projects.
Education and Achievements
Beverly’s academic journey is grounded in a strong foundation established at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where she completed both a Bachelor in Business Management and a Bachelor of Laws. Her legal education not only provided her with essential skills for navigating corporate landscapes but also prepared her for the strategic challenges of senior leadership roles.
In addition to her law qualifications, Beverly pursued advanced studies in management through the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, where she honed her skills in strategic thinking and operational effectiveness. Further enriching her professional profile, she completed a program in Project Management at the Australian College of Project Management, equipping her with the tools necessary to lead complex projects effectively.
Beverly has also explored the realm of design, recognizing its importance in shaping customer experiences. Through her studies in design, she developed a nuanced perspective that underscores the critical connection between innovative design thinking and customer satisfaction.
Beverly’s commitment to continuous education and professional development serves as a foundation for her success. Her multifaceted learning experiences ensure that she remains at the forefront of industry trends and best practices, enabling her to implement innovative solutions for the organizations she supports.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Beverly has held several impactful roles that speak volumes about her expertise in customer experience and organizational transformation. Currently, she serves as the Executive General Manager of Residential Communities at Australian Unity, where she leads initiatives that enhance living conditions and services for older Australians, showcasing her unwavering dedication to this demographic.
Before her role at Australian Unity, Beverly contributed as the Chief Customer Officer, where she was instrumental in driving customer-centric strategies that significantly improved service offerings. Earlier in her career, she served as Head of Experience Design at the same organization, focusing on creating innovative frameworks that prioritize user experience.
Beverly's past roles also include Chief Commercial Officer at Bendigo Kangan Institute, where her strategic leadership shaped operational frameworks that supported educational outcomes. Additionally, she has experience as a Chief Customer Officer at both Feros Care and Bolton Clarke, where her initiatives led to enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty.
In her previous capacity as Executive Manager of Customer Development and as Specialist in Strategy & Planning at Suncorp Group, Beverly showcased her ability to balance commercial imperatives with robust customer experience strategies. Her early career as a Solicitor and Legal Advisor at the Suncorp Group and Corrs Chambers Westgarth equipped her with a solid foundation in legal and corporate matters, which she leverages effectively in her senior executive roles.
Beverly’s continued dedication and contributions to her fields of expertise not only affirm her reputation as a leader but also her impact on the lives of those she serves, particularly older Australians. Her work is a testament to the effectiveness of a customer-led focus and the importance of innovation in improving service delivery and overall customer experience.