Zurich Australia director and former Actuaries Institute president Nicolette Rubinsztein has been made a Member of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday Honours for her services to business. 

The award citation highlights her service in the finance and commerce sectors, where she is also a director of UniSuper and CBHS Health Fund. 

Ms Rubinsztein’s financial services career spans more than 30 years and includes wealth management experience across the retail, institutional, funds management, advice and insurance markets. She is a director of Greenpeace Australia Pacific and a member of Chief Executive Women. 

“Since her appointment to the board ... in 2019, Nicolette has brought a breadth of experience from across the wealth sector and, importantly, a keen focus on delivering sustainable customer value and solutions,” Zurich Australia and New Zealand CEO Justin Delaney said.  

The Actuaries Institute says Ms Rubinsztein focused on the importance of improving science, technology, engineering and maths outcomes for female school students during her term as president. Contributions also included participation in the institute’s retirement incomes working group and public policy committee. 

“We are proud to have such a well-respected actuary recognised,” institute CEO Elayne Grace said. “Nicolette’s unwavering commitment, visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of positive change make her an exceptional professional and a role model for us all.” 

A mother of three, Ms Rubinsztein wrote a book called Not Guilty – 7 Strategies for Successful Career Mums, where she shared tips on how women can apply business strategies to work and life. 

She is a life member of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, where she was director from 2008 to 2015. 

“Much of my career and passion has centred around enhancing retirement strategies for Australians while also addressing crucial issues such as equality and climate change,” Ms Rubinsztein said. “I am humbled to have made a difference to these important issues and receive this recognition for it.” 

Australia’s next governor-general Samantha Mostyn, who will be sworn in to office on July 1, was made a Companion of the Order of Australia, the highest honour, for service in the social justice, gender equity, sporting, cultural and business sectors, and for service to reconciliation and environmental sustainability. 

Ms Mostyn’s business roles have included a period from 2002 to 2008 on the IAG Group Executive, Culture and Reputation Committee, and serving on the Ethics Advisory Committee. She was a Cover-More director from 2013 to 2017. 

Former MDA National Insurance vice president Beres Woodhead was recognised with an Order of Australia honour for significant service to general practice medicine, particularly in board leadership roles, and to the community. 

Dr Woodhead was an MDA National councillor from 2004 to 2018, vice-president from 2008 to 2018 and held other roles with the group. 

In the legal field, Denis McLeod received an Order of Australia honour for significant service to the law, to urban planning and to the community of WA. Roles with the Law Society of WA included membership of the Professional Indemnity Insurance Management Committee for nine years. 

Griffith University researcher Elizabeth Kendall was made a member of the Order of Australia for significant service to rehabilitation research, to people with disability and to tertiary education. 

Professor Kendall’s work includes research supported by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission, which is responsible for Queensland’s compulsory third party scheme.