LLL welcomes new CEO

Karen Pienaar has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of LLL Australia. 

An experienced chief executive, finance professional and business operations manager, and a committed Lutheran, Karen had been serving as interim CEO since August, after the departure of former Chief Executive Ross Smith. Before taking leave from the LLL Board to fill that position, she was a board director for seven years.

After her appointment was announced on 6 November, LLL Board of Directors Chair Steve Podlich described Karen as ‘an outstanding leader who is deeply committed and well known to LLL’.

She is the sixth CEO in LLL’s 104-year history and the first woman to lead the charitable financial institution that supports the mission of the LCA.

‘Karen brings [to the role] deep expertise in financial governance, having marked seven years on the LLL Board,’ Steve said. ‘She specialises in strategy and risk management, with particular strengths in group financial reporting, profitability analysis and forecasting. An accomplished C-suite executive, she has worked across transport, aviation and not-for-profit sectors.

‘Karen has a special interest in fostering leadership and development within mission-driven faith-based organisations. She is deeply committed to values-based governance, and her collaborative style fosters strong and interconnected relationships across the executive and with the board.

‘Under her interim leadership, our future strategic direction was already being implemented and will continue under her guidance. She embraced the role with great determination to understand every aspect of LLL at an operational level, how we serve our customers, and our mission.’

Karen said she was ‘absolutely delighted’ to be appointed to the role. ‘During my time as interim CEO, I travelled to many states and cities, meeting with the people of the church, and worshipping with them in service,’ she said. ‘I’ve been humbled by the warm embrace I have felt from all members of our community.

‘I am thrilled by the opportunity to lead LLL into this next exciting chapter and look forward to continuing to serve you and our wider community.’

A regular worshipper at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Adelaide, Karen’s faith guides her core values of compassion, empathy and dedication. She looks forward to continuing and growing LLL’s support of the LCA.

‘Karen is passionate about forming deep connections with our customers to truly understand their financial needs aligned with their missional goals and ensuring LLL is agile in responding,’ Steve said.

He said a strong field of local and interstate applicants applied for the position, and that the board was unanimous in its decision to appoint Karen.

‘We give thanks to God for he has called Karen to this role and for his continued blessing of LLL,’ Steve said.

LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith called on members of the church to pray for Karen and LLL.

‘May the Lord bless Karen’s faithful witness and service in this vital work in the church,’ Bishop Paul said in a message to LCANZ members after the appointment was announced. ‘We commend Karen and LLL’s team to the guiding hand of our gracious God. Please include LLL and Karen in your prayers.’

Due to her appointment, Karen will not be rejoining the LLL Board. Steve said another director would be recruited in due course.