Helmich steps down as FPA chairman

AMP director of advice-based distribution Steve Helmich will stand down as Financial Planning Association (FPA) chairman, making way for chair-elect Kathryn Greiner - the first ever independent chair of the industry association.

Helmich will complete his two-year term as chair in November this year, at which time he will relinquish his position on the FPA Board where he has held a position for the past five years.

Greiner, who is married to former NSW Premier Nick Greiner, has occupied the role of external director of the FPA since October 2003.

Greiner comes from outside the financial services sector and holds both corporate and not-for profit experience, including almost 10 years as councillor of City of Sydney Council.

“Her non alignment underscores the importance the board places on ensuring member interests are in line with community expectations,” Helmich says.

The FPA has also announced the completion of its review of its working committees.

The review, carried out to develop strategies to better harness the expertise and involvement of members on a range of policy, legislative and professional issues and coincides with the filling of more key roles within the association.

Paul Shevtzoff has been appointed to a key compliance focused role as manager professional standards.

Shevtzoff brings on board a work history including tenures with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in consumer protection roles.

The FPA has also recruited Gil Orski as policy officer. Orski steps into the role after working with ASIC for the past two years as a regulatory analyst.

FPA members will shortly be invited to make nominations for election to fill 4 vacancies on the FPA's board. Voting by ballot will take place between September 22 and October 20.