Today’s appointment of respected finance industry leader Ray Kellerman as Non-Executive Chairman of Countplus Limited (ASX: CUP) gives further momentum to a revitalised focus by the company’s Board to capture organic growth opportunities.
“We see a near-term supply and demand bottleneck. Demand from ageing consumers reaching retirement age, the need for sound wealth counsel is rising in Australia, yet the supply of non-conflicted, high-quality financial advice and accounting services is lagging,” Mr Kellerman said.
“Add to this the ongoing convergence of professional financial advice with traditional accounting and taxation services, and the pre-requisites for growth of the Countplus collaborative partnership model are clear.”
Mr Kellerman succeeds industry pioneer and CUP founding chairman Barry Lambert. His non-executive chairmanship follows the recent appointment of Matthew Rowe to the Countplus CEO and Managing Director role. Mr Rowe is a former Financial Planning Association Chairman and a recent appointee to the Federal Government’s Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority.
“Matthew’s appointment signals a dynamic and able leadership team is in place that will build upon the foundations put in place by Barry Lambert and the national member firms that comprise Countplus.
“Our recent conversations with member firms have been highly productive and show a keen willingness to embrace new thinking about the important role each plays in their communities, with clients and in the future success of Countplus and its shareholders,” Mr Kellerman said.
About Mr Ray Kellerman
Mr Kellerman has almost 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry including roles with the funds management, financial advisory, life insurance and corporate and structured finance industries.
Mr Kellerman currently acts as a director for Goodman Funds Management Australia, Foundation Life New Zealand and Ryder Capital. He is also active in several governance related roles for some major fund managers operating in Australia.
Mr Kellerman was appointed a Director of Countplus in January 2017.
He is an owner and Executive Director of Quentin Ayers, an implemented asset advisor specialising in alternative private market investments. He holds qualifications in law, economics, investment securities and management.
Previous appointments include:
- Independent Chairman of ClearView Wealth, an ASX-listed life insurance and financial services company,
- Independent Chairman of Credit Suisse Asset Management Australia
Prior to this Mr Kellerman was with Perpetual Trustees Australia for 10 years.
He founded his own financial services and compliance advisory business in 2001.
