Ex-IFSA deputy appointed new FPA chief

Jo-Anne Bloch of Mercer Human Resources Services will relocate from the United Kingdom to become the new chief executive of the Financial Planning Association (FPA).

She will officially assume the role on June 12.

Bloch, who was the deputy chief executive of the Investment and Financial Services Association (IFSA) between 2002 and 2004, was most recently a principal with Mercer.

She replaces Kerrie Kelly as FPA chief executive.

Kelly officially resigned from the role on March 3, six months before her contract was due to expire, to become chief executive of the Insurance Council of Australia.

“Jo-Anne has an excellent grasp of the issues affecting financial planning and the FPA. She was selected as the candidate best able to drive forward the board’s agenda, which continues to focus on professional standards with a view to increasing community confidence in financial planning”, said FPA chair Corinna Dieters in a statement.

“Jo-Anne’s experience at IFSA gave her an appreciation of the importance of delivering value to members. She has worked with government and in policy formation and advocacy. These factors, along with proven leadership and excellent communication skills, prepare her well for this role,” Dieters said.

Of her appointment, Bloch said in a statement: “I don’t under-estimate the challenge but anticipate the satisfaction that will come from working with and for members who represent the best of this profession. Clearly, I have a solid foundation on which to build.”