Under the Spotlight with Council Member Anthony Lowe

Few actuaries can claim to have swapped quantum field theory for superannuation consulting or traded corporate boardrooms for leading a cancer foundation. Anthony Lowe has done both. 

Now serving as a Council Member of the Actuaries Institute, Anthony's career path offers a lesson in professional reinvention and the expanding influence of actuarial expertise beyond traditional boundaries.

For those who don’t know you, could you share a bit about yourself and your professional background?

After completing my PhD, I began my actuarial career at R. Watson & Sons in the UK where I qualified and became a partner working in superannuation and investment consulting.

In 1994, I moved to Australia and initially worked for Watson Wyatt then AMP where I co-led a large IT transformation project with Anderson Consulting (now Accenture).

Subsequently, I moved into senior management roles at Mercer in Sydney, the US, and Melbourne. In 2007, I moved to the for-purpose sector, working in health and disability.

In addition to being an Actuaries Institute Council Member, I’m currently a Non-Executive Director on two arts boards.

What motivated you to serve as a Council Member of the Actuaries Institute?

When I stepped down as Chair of the Public Policy Committee, I wanted to continue to serve our profession, which has given me such a wonderful and varied career. Being a Council Member seemed an ideal way to do that. 

How do you see the profession evolving over time? Are there any specific areas you see actuaries having greater involvement and/or influence in?

I’ve been pleased to see the profession diversify into areas such as health, disability, social services and data science. I hope that continues because actuaries have so much to offer evidence-based policy-making.

Reflecting on your career journey so far, can you share a pivotal moment or decision in your career that significantly shaped your career journey?

There are two pivotal moments. Firstly, my decision to move away from quantum field theory - the subject of my PhD - and train as an actuary. 

Secondly, my decision to move to the for-purpose sector. My time as Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia was a highlight of my career.

What do you see as the most pressing issues for actuaries? How can the Institute help address them?

The first issue for me is expanding the influence and recognition of the profession. The Institute is doing an outstanding job of addressing that through our public policy work. The second is defining the profession’s place in data science and artificial intelligence. 

What is the most valuable skill an actuary can possess?

To collaborate with people from other professions and appreciate the different perspectives they bring.

What advice would you give to aspiring actuaries?

Don’t be afraid to explore opportunities and be taken where your career leads you - even if it wasn’t what you expected or planned for. 

When you retire, what do you hope your legacy will be?

That the organisations I have worked for have benefited from my contribution and are stronger as a result.