Sophia van Zijl
Advisory Board Member
Sophia has a passion for optimising business outcomes by connecting people to strategy and creating workplaces where people thrive. She is committed to creating an inclusive culture, and developing high-performing teams that value diverse perspectives and deliver excellent results for clients.
Sophia is currently an independent director at Armillary Private Capital, acting as a Strategic Consultant at the NZX, and a member of Global Women and the Institute of Directors. Her previous corporate roles include Chief People Officer at JBWere New Zealand, Head of Colleague Strategy & Execution at National Australia Bank, and Assistant Treasurer of MLC & NAB Wealth. Her focus on operational excellence and risk governance is underpinned by Law and Commerce degrees, with professional studies in strategic planning and organisational coaching.
Sophia is an accomplished coach and mentor, particularly for young women in financial services. She is an official mentor for both the Women in Banking & Finance and HSBC Women in Finance Mentoring Programs. At the heart of Sophia’s personal and professional aspirations is a desire to bring out the best in people and lead through authenticity, integrity and meaningful connection.
Sophia is currently an independent director at Armillary Private Capital, acting as a Strategic Consultant at the NZX, and a member of Global Women and the Institute of Directors. Her previous corporate roles include Chief People Officer at JBWere New Zealand, Head of Colleague Strategy & Execution at National Australia Bank, and Assistant Treasurer of MLC & NAB Wealth. Her focus on operational excellence and risk governance is underpinned by Law and Commerce degrees, with professional studies in strategic planning and organisational coaching.
Sophia is an accomplished coach and mentor, particularly for young women in financial services. She is an official mentor for both the Women in Banking & Finance and HSBC Women in Finance Mentoring Programs. At the heart of Sophia’s personal and professional aspirations is a desire to bring out the best in people and lead through authenticity, integrity and meaningful connection.