Robyn Duggan forges a path for women in insolvency
Robyn Duggan has built a standout insolvency career, becoming one of the 10 per cent of registered liquidators in Australia who are female.
Ms Duggan grew up in Orange, New South Wales, where she decided to pursue higher education despite financial constraints. Seeking flexible options for tertiary education, she chose Macquarie University for its ability to support part-time study. While studying for her Bachelor of Economics (Accounting), which she completed in 1990, Ms Duggan leveraged Macquarie's resources and flexibility, forging ahead in a demanding field while attending lectures after work.
Despite the challenges of part-time study and her early career responsibilities, she recalls fond memories of camaraderie, including sharing class time at The Cottage and late evenings balancing work and study.
Ms Duggan gained her first job in insolvency at B O Smith & Son and later transitioned to Horwath & Horwath, where she developed her expertise. In 1989, she joined boutique insolvency firm Ferrier Hodgson and, in 2002, broke barriers by becoming the firm’s first female partner.
Describing the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, Ms Duggan notes, "I was told that women couldn’t succeed in insolvency because we’re too emotional or less decisive. But I’ve always viewed those traits as an asset – empathy and attention to detail make us better practitioners."
Balancing work and family was another challenge Ms Duggan overcame with resolve. When she announced her first pregnancy in the 1990s, some expected her resignation, but she defied expectations by returning to work and continuing her career progression. Her flexibility and determination created opportunities for other women to pursue leadership roles in insolvency.
Ms Duggan joined EY as an Associate Partner in 2022, where she continues her work in insolvency and restructuring while contributing significantly to training initiatives for new practitioners. She also reflects on her ongoing connection with Macquarie University, including speaking at graduation ceremonies and participating in the Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) program.
"Macquarie gave me the foundation I needed to build a rewarding career. I’ve always valued my degree and the opportunities it created," Ms Duggan states. Her story reminds us that a commitment to innovation, resilience, and adaptability not only drives personal success but also helps pave the way for the next generation of professionals.
Robyn Duggan's bio
Robyn Duggan graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Economics (Accounting) (1990). She is an Associate Partner in the EY Strategy and Execution team in Sydney, and a registered liquidator, a member of the Turnaround Management Association, a Fellow of the Australian Restructuring, Insolvency and Turnaround Association, a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and a Life member of the Women’s Insolvency Network Australia.
Ms Duggan brings over 40 years of experience in corporate restructuring and insolvency across a wide range of industries, including complex corporate investigations, investigating accountant roles, expert witness roles, asset tracing, trade-on monitoring and business rationalisation/realisation.
She also has a strong technical background and a passion for learning and development, and uses those skills to support the ongoing development of insolvency practitioners. With significant specific expertise in the financial services sector and the healthcare, child care and aged care industries, including private hospitals, Ms Duggan has a deep knowledge of the issues that affect businesses operating in those industries.