The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) has today appointed Anne Fuchs to the new role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Ms Fuchs will be charged with the responsibilities of income generation and servicing of AFA’s commercial stakeholders being members, licensees and corporate partners. The role also carries responsibility for AFA’s Consumer Brand campaign, Your Best Interests (YBI).
Ms Fuchs, who took up the position today, has for the past four-and-a-half years consulted to the AFA on their strategic partnerships. She has a 17-year career in financial services, including 11 years in business and practice development roles with ING Australia, Colonial First State, and BT Financial Group and, more recently, five years heading up her own venture, Pinnacle Practice. Two years ago, Pinnacle Practice launched the highly successful, MyDealerGroup, a matchmaking service for advisers and licensees offering advisory services to financial planners and licensees around their AFSL strategy, client value proposition and fees/terms.
AFA CEO Brad Fox said he is delighted to have someone with Ms Fuchs’ wealth of industry experience and in-depth knowledge of the AFA join the team. “Anne has a unique understanding of financial advisers, licensees and the industry as a whole,” he said. “She has already demonstrated her energy, commitment and passion for the AFA and the advice profession and in her role as CCO will be able to further grow and develop the AFA’s widening spheres of influence and reputation as the association of choice for advisers.”
Ms Fuchs said she feels privileged to have been a part of the AFA’s journey so far and welcomes the opportunity to pursue a career which allows her to impact the bigger picture. “I have a high conviction for public policy and am looking forward to working in a position of influence with a professional association whose core purpose is to influence the fabric of the financial advice profession and the broader financial services sector to achieve great advice for more Australians. Anyone who knows me knows that is where my heart lies.”
MyDealerGroup has been sold to Forte Asset Solutions, headed up by Steve Prendeville. “I am delighted to hand over MyDealerGroup to Steve,” Ms Fuchs said. “We have a strong alignment in our business model in working with advice firms and licensees to achieve their growth objectives. With a relationship extending back to when I worked at ING, I know that he also values professional reputation, has expertise in understanding what business owners want and a strong track record of performance.”
Ms Fuchs said she will be working with Forte Asset Solutions through the transition period to ensure the continuity of quality service for MyDealerGroup clients.
