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Jeroen Buwalda

Chief Operating Officer

Jeroen Buwalda - Group Executive, Transformation, Technology, and Operations at Colonial First State



Contact Details:
  • Name: Jeroen Buwalda

  • Company: Colonial First State (CFS)

  • Position: Group Executive, Transformation, Technology, and Operations

  • Location: Australia



Professional Experience and Role:
  • Current Role at Colonial First State: Jeroen Buwalda has been serving as the Group Executive of Transformation, Technology, and Operations since November 2022. Prior to this, he held a significant leadership role as Chief Executive, Global Business at a different organization.

  • Responsibilities: Jeroen is responsible for driving corporate strategy and transformational change across wealth management, asset management, and financial services. His leadership focuses on leveraging technology and operations to achieve organizational goals, particularly in the context of AI and cloud technologies.


Strategic Initiatives and Achievements:
  • AI and Innovation: CFS, under Jeroen’s leadership, is a pioneer in adopting generative AI technologies such as Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Azure OpenAI Service. These technologies are critical in driving innovation and improving personalization in wealth management services.

  • Key Quote: “AI and cloud technologies are pivotal in our mission to help Australians achieve financial freedom,” said Jeroen Buwalda.

  • Transformations and Operations: Jeroen's team has focused on implementing an enterprise data platform to streamline operations, thus enabling a more data-driven approach to customer service and operational efficiency.

  • Generative AI Rollout: Successfully rolled out Copilot for Microsoft 365 to 75% of CFS employees, resulting in significant time savings and productivity improvements across various teams.

  • Notable Outcomes: Employees reported saving up to 30 minutes per day due to AI integration, with some project timelines reduced by 70-90% due to AI-assisted tools.


Public Engagements and Recognition:
  • Industry Contribution: Jeroen frequently speaks at industry events such as Microsoft’s AI Tour, sharing insights on the impact of AI in wealth management and the future of financial planning.

  • Media Presence: He has been featured in multiple prominent articles and interviews, illustrating his vision and execution on integrating AI into CFS’s core operations.

  • Interview Highlight: Jeroen discussed CFS’s AI journey in an in-depth article by Microsoft News, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI in simplifying complex financial planning concepts for the average Australian.


Company Performance and Vision:
  • Assets Under Management (AUM): Colonial First State manages approximately AUD 150 billion in assets and serves nearly 1 million members, cementing its position as a leading wealth management entity in Australia.

  • Mission and Values: CFS aims to help Australians achieve financial freedom in retirement and has consistently pushed for sustainable investment practices and innovative financial solutions.

  • Strategic Partnerships: Under Jeroen’s division, CFS has entered a five-year agreement with Microsoft to leverage cloud and AI technologies to enhance their financial services platform.


Professional Network:
  • LinkedIn Connections: Over 500 professionals, indicating strong industry influence and a significant professional network.


Executive Team:
  • Colonial First State Executive Leadership: Jeroen works alongside other leadership figures such as Clive van Horen (Group CEO), Kelly Power (CEO of Superannuation), and Martin Codina (Group Executive Strategy, Risk, and Corporate Affairs), forming a robust team driving CFS’s strategic goals.


Key Takeaway:


Jeroen Buwalda is a pivotal figure in Colonial First State’s transformation efforts, focusing on integrating advanced AI and technology solutions to streamline wealth management processes, improve customer engagement, and drive organizational innovation. His leadership in these areas is crucial for CFS as it continues to adapt and evolve in the rapidly changing financial services landscape.