Des Meyer has worked extensively in the retirement funds industry, focusing on regulatory matters, legal requirements, and technical drafting. She has experience in management, compliance, and technical documentation, supporting retirement funds in meeting objectives and safeguarding member interests. Her efforts include participating in regulatory developments, providing education, and mentoring others.

Des collaborates with J Law Consulting as an independent contractor, concentrating on legal rules and amendments drafting.

Previously, Des contracted part-time with ICTS Legal Services, specialising in legal rules drafting and contributed notably to the 2-Pot amendments submitted to the FSCA. Before this, she was Principal Officer for the Standard Bank Group Retirement Fund, overseeing pension strategies, projects, administration outsourcing, surplus distribution, and fund conversions. She has served as trustee and chairperson on several related funds.

Des managed legal and technical functions at Alexander Forbes, joining after Fulford Brothers Benefit Consultants’ acquisition. Earlier roles included management and legal drafting positions with Momentum, Liberty Life, and Southern Life. Without a formal degree, Des pursued industry certifications, receiving one from the Insurance Institute of South Africa, where she later lectured and examined retirement subjects. She participated in developing modules for what is now the Financial Planning Institute, earning her CFP designation and serving as a board director, contributing to governance and certification changes.

She chaired the IRFA: Legal and Technical Committee and served as a board member, supporting mentorship initiatives. Des was involved in founding the Pension Lawyers Association, serving as President and receiving honorary lifetime membership. She contributed to the Principal Officers’ Association (now BATSETA) and supported qualification formalisation during her board tenure.

Her editorial experience includes co-editing Pensions World publication and publishing articles about regulatory issues. She regularly presented at industry conferences, including Pension Lawyers’ conferences.