Meet the Financial Advice team
Penny Collicoat – Mercer Financial Advice Business Leader
Penny has worked in the Financial Service sector since 1998, after attaining her degree in Commerce, majoring in Economics and Marketing from the University of Melbourne. Penny has also completed a Post Graduate Degree in Finance and Diploma of Financial Planning.
She joined Mercer Financial Advice in September 2023 as Advice Delivery Lead after owning a Financial Planning business for eleven years. Penny has previously been awarded ‘Adviser of the Year’ for exceptional client experience.
Penny’s passion lies in the financial education of all Australians and ensuring that clients truly understand not only what they have, but also what they can create. She believes that with knowledge comes power to create change.
Anthony Williams – Technical Services Manager
Anthony Williams is the Technical Services Manager for Mercer Financial Advice. Anthony was a licensed Financial Adviser for ten years of his twenty years in the industry and held a Certified Financial Planner designation during this time.
Anthony now specialises in research and technical training and writing for the Advice team and other teams within the wider Mercer business, in addition to presenting at our client events and webinars.
Jacqui Chase CFP® – Team Leader VIC
Jacqui is the Team Leader for the Victorian Advice team at Mercer Financial Advice, where she has played a pivotal role in leading the Helpline Advice team since joining the organisation in 2021. With over thirty years of experience in the financial advice industry, Jacqui brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her leadership position, ensuring that her team delivers exceptional financial advice to clients across Australia.
As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and holder of a Master of Financial Planning, Jacqui is passionate about empowering clients to navigate their financial journeys with confidence. She believes that leveraging the right technology is essential for providing efficient and effective advice, enabling her team to reach and support more Australians in achieving their financial goals.
Lily Wiatkowski – Team Leader, NSW, QLD & SA
Lily has been in the finance industry since 2000 and a financial adviser for many of those years. Lily is passionate in ensuring she helps her clients to live their best lives by partnering with them to help them achieve their financial objectives.
Lily currently leads the teams of advisers in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. She also enjoys mentoring junior staff in developing their knowledge and skillset to help them become the next generation of advisers.
Lily has completed her Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Financial Advice and holds a Master of Financial Advice which she obtained at the University of NSW.
Outside of work, Lily enjoys spending quality time with family, friends and travelling.
Ian Daubney CFP® – Senior Financial Adviser
Ian is a dedicated Certified Financial Planner and Principal at Mercer, with a passion for empowering individuals to achieve their retirement dreams. Since joining Mercer in 1993, he has been a trusted advisor, specialising in superannuation, retirement planning, and investment strategies. His extensive experience includes leading the Victorian Financial Advice Team from 2002 to 2012, where he honed his skills in delivering tailored financial solutions.
With a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Arts, a Bachelor of Business, and a Diploma of Financial Planning, Ian combines academic excellence with practical expertise. He is also an accredited Aged Care specialist, ensuring that his clients receive comprehensive guidance as they navigate the complexities of retirement.
Ian is committed to helping you retire right, providing personalised strategies that align with your unique goals and aspirations. Let Ian guide you on your journey to a secure and fulfilling retirement.
Nilam Kothiya CFP® – Senior Financial Adviser
Nilam is a highly accomplished Senior Financial Adviser and has been in the industry since 2018. Holding a Master of Business in Accounting and Finance, along with the prestigious Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, she is dedicated to delivering innovative and strategic financial solutions tailored to the unique needs of her diverse clientele.
Specialising in comprehensive advice, Nilam excels in providing insightful investment strategies that empower her clients to achieve their financial aspirations. Her expertise spans a wide range of complex financial strategies including Direct Equities, Self-Managed Super Funds, Managed Investment Portfolios, ensuring that each client receives personalised guidance that aligns with their specific goals.
With a profound understanding of the intricacies of financial planning, Nilam expertly navigates her clients through the complexities of retirement and wealth management. She equips them with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions for a secure and prosperous future. Her unwavering dedication to excellence and client-centric approach make her an invaluable partner in the pursuit of financial success.
Rima Boumadi – Senior Financial Adviser
Rima is a Senior Financial Adviser and has been a financial adviser since 2015, working in the finance industry since 1998. She is dedicated to helping clients navigate their financial futures. She partners with individuals to create comprehensive roadmaps that empower them to live their best lives with confidence and peace of mind.
Specialising in High-Net-Worth clients, Rima leverages her commercial acumen and motivation to deliver tailored financial solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. Integrity is at the heart of her practice, and she is passionate about providing holistic advice that goes beyond mere numbers.
Rima believes that wealth is not a matter of chance; it requires education, proactive coaching, and a well-executed plan. She is committed to guiding her clients through every step of their financial journey, equipping them with the knowledge and strategies necessary for long-term success.
Stephen Harland – Senior Financial Adviser
Stephen is a seasoned Senior Financial Adviser with over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, having been in this role since 2013. He is committed to developing effective wealth management and retirement strategies that help his clients reach their financial goals.
His expertise encompasses a variety of financial instruments, including Direct Equities, Self-Managed Super Funds, and Managed Investment Portfolios. This breadth of knowledge allows him to offer personalised guidance that aligns with each client's specific objectives.
His dedication to ongoing learning and professional growth keeps him well-informed about industry trends, enabling him to deliver the most current and effective financial advice.
Outside of his professional work, you will often find him in his garden which is his labour of love. He also enjoys spending time with the family at Apollo Bay.
Elizabeth Ilievski – Financial Adviser
Liz has specialised in financial planning since 2018 and has been working in the financial services industry since 2015. She is deeply committed to empowering clients to achieve their financial goals. She holds a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning from Griffith University and a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Finance and Management from Deakin University.
Liz is passionate about helping clients maximise their wealth and developing tailored strategies that align with their unique aspirations. She believes that effective financial planning is not just about numbers; it’s about understanding each client’s dreams and working collaboratively to turn those dreams into reality.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Liz loves to travel, immersing herself in new cultures and experiences around the globe. She also enjoys baking sweet treats in her spare time, adding a sprinkle of creativity and joy to her life.
Lisa Godden – Financial Adviser
Lisa is a seasoned financial adviser and has been an adviser since 2005. She is dedicated to guiding her clients toward financial security and success. Her extensive career encompasses a variety of roles, including management, financial advice operations, project management, and, most importantly, direct client advisory.
Lisa holds a Master of Financial Planning, equipping her with the advanced skills necessary to navigate the complexities of financial management. Her diverse experience across both the UK and Australia enables her to understand and adapt to different financial landscapes, ensuring tailored advice that meets the unique needs of each client.
Passionate about empowering individuals and families, Lisa is committed to helping her clients plan for the retirement they envision. She believes that financial security is essential for a fulfilling life, and she works diligently to instil confidence and peace of mind in her clients' financial decisions.
Peter Hodgson CFP® – Financial Adviser
Peter is a highly experienced Financial Adviser and has been working in the financial services industry since 2015, specialising in investment strategies, superannuation planning, retirement planning, and aged care. His extensive expertise allows him to craft personalised financial solutions that align with your unique goals.
Holding a double degree in Business Administration and Commerce (Accounting), Peter is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and an accredited Aged Care specialist. He is committed to staying abreast of the latest financial developments, ensuring that his clients receive the highest standard of advice tailored to their needs.
Outside of his professional commitments, Peter cherishes quality time with his young family, which enriches his perspective on life and finance, allowing him to relate to clients on a personal level.
Philip Murdock – Financial Adviser
Phil has been with Mercer since 2015, and a strategic financial adviser since 2021, bringing almost twenty years of experience in the finance industry, including valuable time spent working in Scotland. His extensive background equips him to provide comprehensive financial advice that considers each client's overall financial position, going beyond just superannuation.
Phil's true passion lies in delivering personalised advice that empowers clients to achieve their financial goals. His diverse experience encompasses the administration and support of various financial products, including pensions, annuities, life insurance, investments, lending, and banking. This holistic approach ensures that clients receive well-rounded guidance tailored to their unique circumstances.
Titilayo Adetunji – Financial Adviser
Titilayo has been a dedicated professional in the financial services industry since 2007, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to her clients. She firmly believes that adequate protection, effective cash flow management, and strategic debt management are the cornerstones of financial security.
Her mission is to empower clients to make the most of their money. Titilayo works closely with individuals and families to help them pay off their home loans sooner and implement wealth-building strategies that pave the way for a prosperous future.
With a master’s degree in financial planning, Titilayo is committed to developing strong, lasting relationships with her clients, ensuring that she provides tailored solutions that meet their unique financial needs.
In addition to her professional endeavours, Titilayo serves on the board of two Not-For-Profit organisations, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and cooking, which enriches her perspective on life and finance.
William Huynh – Financial Adviser
When it comes to education, William holds a Master of Financial Planning and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification. Furthermore, William has recently completed his Accredited Aged Care Professional™ qualification.
Outside of work, William enjoys travelling. He also loves spending quality time with family, especially sharing good food together.
William Huynh – Financial Adviser
When it comes to education, William holds a Master of Financial Planning and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification. Furthermore, William has recently completed his Accredited Aged Care Professional™ qualification.
Outside of work, William enjoys travelling. He also loves spending quality time with family, especially sharing good food together.
Kael Chen – Financial Adviser
Kael has been a Financial Adviser for over ten years and worked with numerous banks and super funds to improve the financial circumstances of his clients. Kael’s thoughtful approach helps his clients to plan their financial future and support them throughout their retirement journey.
Kael is passionate about constantly expanding his professional knowledge and skillset. He has completed an Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning and holds a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification and has now also completed his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Outside of work, Kael enjoys playing piano, sports and hitting the gym on a regular basis.
Bob Bharath Iyengar – Senior Financial Adviser
Bob has been a valued member of Mercer Financial Advice for nearly ten years and has been a financial adviser since 2000. Bob takes great pleasure in establishing strong relationships with his clients, gaining a deep understanding of their needs and devising innovative solutions to help them achieve their financial objectives. Bob’s dedication to delivering personalised and holistic financial advice is fuelled by his genuine passion for the industry.
Bob’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science, Certified Financial Planner, and he is an Accredited Aged Care Professional.
Bob greatest happiness lies in spending quality time with his loved ones, rugby league and cricket.
Hilary Anthony-Benson – Financial Adviser
Hilary has been with Mercer Financial Advice for over 10 years. Hilary is passionate about educating her clients to give them the tools they need to navigate the retirement landscape and support them on their individual journeys.
Hilary’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Commerce, Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning and holds a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification.
Outside of work, Hilary enjoys spending time with her young family. Like many, Hilary enjoys travel and will pick a destination based on the food options. She hopes to pass on her passion for football (soccer) to her children as she coaches their local team.
Vikas Pathania – Financial Adviser
Vikas has been with Mercer Financial Advice for over 2 years as a professional Financial Adviser. He has been in the financial advice and wealth management industry for over 20 years.
Vikas enjoys building relationships with his clients, understanding their needs, and developing bespoke solutions to meet their financial goals. He has a passion for the industry and is committed to providing high quality tailored financial advice.
When it comes to education, Vikas holds a Master of Business Administration - Finance and a Graduate Diploma in Financial Advice.
Outside of work, Vikas enjoys traveling. He also loves spending quality time with family and friends and loves his Cricket and Football.
Babette Cornford – Senior Financial Adviser
Babette has had a varied career with two decades of experience in the industry and is a qualified financial adviser holding a master’s degree. Babette also possesses qualifications in Commercial Law, Margin Lending, and Aged Care advice and is a qualified tax relevant provider.
Babette is dedicated to assisting clients in achieving their financial well-being and future planning goals including retirement, debt strategies and wealth accumulation. Her professional passion lies in the aged care system, on which she wrote her master’s thesis, and she aspires for improved reforms in this area.
On a personal note, Babette is a sailor and PADI-certified scuba divemaster and she has a keen interest in ocean conservation.
Alicen Anderson – Provisional Financial Adviser
Alicen Anderson is a Financial Adviser with over eleven years of experience in financial planning.
Recently, Alicen completed a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning and has embarked on the third quarter of their Professional Year. Alicen is passionate about building strong relationships with clients, working collaboratively to achieve their financial goals, and shaping their financial futures.
Outside of work, Alicen enjoys exploring the scenic landscapes of South Australia with her family, engaging in bushwalking adventures, and aspires to master the art of making sourdough bread.
Gina Somers - Financial Adviser
She has a Bachelor of Commerce – Financial Planning and Bachelor of Education. She is Qualified Justice of the Peace and a Certified Financial Planner.
Outside of Mercer, Gina is married with two young children. Gina enjoys reading, good food and travel – when time permits!
Ron Smith - Senior Financial Adviser
Ron is a Senior Financial adviser and joined Mercer in 2011. He loves working with his clients beyond the numbers, learning about their concerns and then formulating a careful, efficient financial path to help achieve their goals.
Ron earned a Bachelor of Commerce, is a Chartered Accountant and a Certified Financial Planner.
Ron is married with three children and a Cavoodle named Patch (owing to the white patch on his chest). Ron loves sport, particularly footy (in all its glorious forms), and travelling overseas with his family.
John Mulcahy- Financial Adviser
John joined Mercer in 2024 with over 25 years of advice experience. He specialises in all aspects of retirement planning and enjoys helping people achieve their retirement goals and supporting them through what can be a challenging transition.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment and Diploma of Financial Planning.
Outside of work John is married with two adult daughters. He enjoys listening to podcasts (and making dad podcast suggestions to his daughters), getting outdoors and new travel experiences.