Annemarie Hills, CFA
Investment Adviser, Craigs Investment Partners
What are some of your career highlights so far?
After eight years at various banks, finally finding a role that I love but also find challenging was a turning point. A career highlight would be a feeling of comfort and confidence in my role in recent years, as well as two key successes in the large mandate space in 2021/22 alongside my business partner, Ruth Jackson-Smith.
Taking over as one of the key people in our Craigs Women’s Wealth programme and the Tauranga Chamber Business Women’s Network has also been a step outside my comfort zone, but a highlight given the relationships and connections made.
What do you like most about your job/industry?
I enjoy seeing clients succeed and do well and being a part of that success. And I enjoy the variety and uncertainty as to what the day might bring working in markets. As an investment adviser, I might be allocating a new bond issue one day and pitching for business the next. My first call might be with a new and conservative client and the next with a client of many years adding another lump sum.
What are your interests outside work?
Spending time with my husband and two girls (age 6 and 8) at Mount Maunganui, boating and biking and enjoying our great outdoors. I’m also currently learning to play golf, an emotional rollercoaster!
Can you recommend some good reading and/or viewing?
Outside of my markets obsession, I love the three ‘behind the scenes’ sports series on Netflix – Drive to Survive, Full Swing and Break Point. I also enjoyed reading Imposter by Matt Chisholm, on battling booze and depression.
You attended the recent conference, what were some of your key takeaways?
The 2023 conference far exceeded my expectations. The speakers were excellent, and it was such a pleasure to head to the big smoke to attend, to meet others in the industry and catch up with old colleagues. Key takeaways for me were Aswath Damodaran’s reminder to keep telling stories and his advice to match your children’s savings. Meir Statman’s message to let things slide to increase happiness (something I have learnt since becoming a mum) and his advice to create an emotional connection with your clients. And finally, the discussion around ChatGPT being most useful to those who already have expertise (in that field).
