Former FSC CEO to chair fintech Ignition Advice
Sally Loane has been named chair of Ignition Advice, succeeding Peter Meurer OAM.
A former chief executive of the Financial Services Council for seven years, Loane was an experienced chair, non-executive director, and business leader.
The move was effective from 5 June and she would work with Meurer, who had been chair for the last eight years, during the transition period.
Her appointment followed CEO, Craig Keary, stepping down from the role earlier this year.
Loane was currently chair of Destination NSW and a non-executive director of Chubb Insurance Australia, a mentor with McCarthy Mentoring, and a member of the advisory board of consulting firm Orizontas.
She was also an ambassador for Business Events Sydney, a member of Chief Executive Women, and was notably the first female director of the Waratahs Rugby in its 135-year history.
“Sally brings proven leadership, including as a chair, and a wealth of industry expertise to the Ignition board from her many years leading a financial services organisation, together with deep knowledge of media and corporate affairs,” Meurer said.
“Her experience in policy development and advocacy, specifically in the wealth sector and with a wide range of stakeholders, will be particularly valuable to our business.
“The Ignition team will benefit from Sally’s broad experience over this significant next phase of global growth for the company.”
Loane said she looked forward to working with Ignition at this pivotal time for the digital transformation of the advice industry.
“I am a long-time advocate for all Australians to be financially literate and financially independent, particularly women, who retire with less superannuation than men, and who are still subject to a gender pay gap,” she said.
“Simplified regulation and innovation through digital tools, while maintaining important consumer safeguards, will be crucial to improving affordability and access to financial advice.
“There has never been a more important time for the government and industry to support the transformation of advice provision.”
An advocate for women’s financial independence and economic security, Loane had previously advised government via corporate advisory boards such as the NSW Council for Women’s Economic Opportunity and the NSW Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault Corporate Leadership Group.
Commenting on the appointment, Mark Fordree, Ignition co-founder and board director, said: “As we enter the next phase of our growth, we look forward to drawing on Sally’s significant board and industry experience and her aspiration to fulfil our growth ambitions in enabling large financial institutions to dramatically scale their advice propositions to close the advice gap and make advice accessible to all.”
He also paid tribute to Meurer, noting that the firm had partnered with numerous leading global financial firms, won several industry awards, and piloted three capital raises under the inaugural chair’s stewardship.
“I thank Peter for his dedication and leadership and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours,” Fordree said.
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Rhea Nath
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