Big NSW-based fund FuturePlus has announced the appointment of Jim Thomas as chief executive officer following an extensive recruitment drive.
Thomas served as acting chief executive officer for the past five months, following the resignation and departure of Brett Westbrook.
Thomas has more than 25 years experience in the financial services industry, including 11 years as general manager of Chifley Financial Services, which is now part-owned by FuturePlus’ owners, the Local Government Superannuation Scheme and the Energy Industries Superannuation Scheme.
Westbrook was most recently general manager, advisory, at FuturePlus.
The chair of FuturePlus, Craig Murray, said Thomas’ extensive experience and aptitude were ideally suited to the challenges of running one of the largest and most highly regarded superannuation services providers in the industry.
“Jim has spent more than a decade with FuturePlus and related businesses, and thoroughly understands the challenges it faces in a rapidly changing regulatory and consumer environment,” Murray said.
AonAustralia has appointed MLC advice platforms head Pierre Kraft to lead its wealth management businesses — Aon Wealth Management and Aon Financial Planning and Protection.
Aon director Stewart Fotheringham said Kraft’s combination of leadership, technical and business management skills made him extremely attractive to Aon.
“Pierre has a strong understanding of the wealth management industry, both at a tactical
and strategic level,” Fotheringham said. “Pierre’s project management skills were also an attraction. He was the driving force behind MLC’s AdviserCentral project — MLC’s largest in recent years.”
“Pierre has also held sales and sales leadership positions within the MLC/Garvan dealership and he spent two years on the board of the Financial Planning Association in South Australia.”
Kraft said he was looking forward to his new role: “Both Aon Wealth Management and Aon Financial Planning and Protection have a strong reputation in the industry,” said Kraft.
“I am genuinely excited to have the opportunity of working with the team.”
Keryn Farrell has joined ABN AMRO Asset Management (Australia) as chief operating officer, responsible for operations, administration, finance and IT.
Farrell spent the last seven years with Advance Asset Management, most recently as head of product and operations. Prior to this, she was with State Street for approximately five years in various management positions within operations and fund accounting in Sydney and London. Farrell has also spent nearly 10 years as an auditor with Ernst & Young and Westpac.
“We are delighted to have Keryn on board and are sure her extensive industry experience will enhance our ability to service existing and future clients,” said Ian Manton-Hall, chief executive.
In addition, Matthew Winning has been appointed as compliance and risk analyst, reporting to Craig Giffin. Winning was previously with Zurich Asset Management.
