Synchron chair to depart after 15 years
WT Financial Group, acquirer of Synchron, has thanked retiring Synchron chair, Michael Harrison, for his contribution to the financial services industry and to the firm.
He had worked at Synchron since 2007, initially as a business strategy and marketing consultant, then became chair in 2011 until its acquisition by WT Financial Group.
His position as chair would be taken over by Synchron director, Don Trapnell.
Managing director of WT Financial Group, Keith Cullen, said: “Over that time, the advice and counsel he provided clearly helped the directors grow the business into the vibrant, progressive group it is today.
“He joined Synchron at a pivotal time in its history, helping reinvent the company to become more attractive to younger advisers, while also remaining a preferred licensee for its traditional adviser base.
“His contribution to Synchron, and to the industry, cannot be overstated.”
Harrison’s career spanned accountancy, retail sales, insurance, and banking, consulting to numerous entities, including Citibank, the STAR Alliance Network, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and Zurich Financial Services.
Harrison was also the author of three books and a corporate speaker, served three terms as deputy lord mayor of Adelaide, and sat on numerous government and private company boards.
Recommended for you
ASIC has banned a former AFSL director after he failed to adequately address fees-for-no-service conduct by one of his firm’s representatives.
The Financial Advice Association Australia has appointed two new board members following two weeks of voting, as well as one re-elected member.
Advice licensee Bombora has introduced a board of six financial advisers from its national network to ensure industry voices are heard collectively on future decisions.
Technology firm Iress and investment manager Challenger have formed a strategic partnership to launch an adviser solution to better serve their retiring clients.

