Gale-force addition to SPAA Board

The Self-Managed Super Fund Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA) has appointed ex-Count Financial chief executive Andrew Gale to its board.

Gale has over 30 years’ financial services experience, most recently as managing director and chief executive officer for Count Financial.

In this role he led the scheme of arrangement process following Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s acquisition of Count.

Prior to joining Count Financial, Gale was a managing partner of Deloitte Actuaries & Consultants and has held senior executive roles in distribution, marketing and strategy with MLC and AMP.

“The addition of Andrew to the board will provide valuable input to SPAA policy efforts,” said Andrea Slattery, SPAA chief executive officer.

“Andrew’s experience – deep industry knowledge and insight in the financial services industry – adds to our existing board of leading specialists who play a critical role in driving industry reform and advancing best-practice professional standards.”

Gale has also been heavily involved in regulatory issues. He was a member of the Financial Services Council (FSC) Advice Board Committee and was chair of the Accountant Financial Adviser Coalition (AFAC).

Commenting on his new role, Gale said, “It is a pleasure to be joining the SPAA board and to help enhance its service offering in the future. This is particularly important at a time of such significant industry and regulatory change, especially with the imminent accountant-licensing requirements.”