FSC - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer, AMP Limited
- Member of Chartered Accountants Australia
- Member of Chief Executive
Alexis George was appointed to the FSC Board in September 2023.
Alexis George was appointed CEO of AMP Limited in August 2021. She is responsible for leading the ANZ business.
In addition, Alexis was appointed to the AMP Limited Board and AMP Bank Limited Board in August 2021.
Alexis has more than 25 years' experience in the financial services industry in Australia and overseas.
She spent seven years at ANZ, including most recently as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, working with the CEO to drive group-wide strategic initiatives in addition to having responsibility for its shared service centres and banking services. As the Group Executive Wealth Australia, Alexis led ANZ's $4 billion wealth divestment program, including the separation and sale of its life insurance and superannuation businesses to Zurich and IOOF. She has continued to oversee the complex process of separating and migrating systems and data that support these businesses so they operate independently of ANZ.
Prior to ANZ, Alexis spent ten years with IAG Group in a number of senior roles including CEO Czech Republic and Slovakia, responsible for banking, insurance and funds management, and regional COO Asia, responsible for product, marketing, technology and operations.
Alexis is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Alexis is an active member of Chief Executive Women and is a passionate advocate for women in leadership roles.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
- Country Head Australasia for UBS Asset Management ( Australia ) Ltd
- Country Head Australia
Alison was appointed Country Head Australasia for UBS Asset Management (Australia) Ltd in January 2022.
Alison has over 20 years of experience working in Australian and global asset management with roles spanning product development, strategy, client distribution, legal, compliance, regulatory and government affairs as well as the COO function. Alison brings these skills to her leadership of UBS Asset Management and its goal of partnering with clients and industry to reimagine the power of investing and connect people for a better world.
Prior to joining UBS Alison was General Counsel and Head of Compliance at BlackRock before being appointed Head of Public Policy in 2016, Chair of the Australian Board in 2019 and COO Australasia in 2020. She was also the Executive Sponsor for BlackRock Women's Initiative Australasia and for the firm's Philanthropic Committee and held seats on BlackRock's Asia Pacific Stewardship Committee.
Alison has also worked at Challenger as Director of Specialised Product Development and Institutional Co-investments and at law firms King Wood Mallesons and Ashurst.
In addition to holding a seat on the FSC Board, Alison is a member of the Standards Oversight & Disciplinary Board Committee and is on the FSC Fund Management Board Committee.
Alison holds a BA (communications)/LLB.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
- Chief Executive Officer Australia & New Zealand
Job Titles:
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
- Managing Director APAC Head of Client Business and Head of Australasia
Job Titles:
- Policy & Research
- Public Affairs Consultant
Ben consults for the FSC on public affairs issues
Ben is an award-winning media and content strategist who has 15 years experience helping clients engage, entertain and inspire their audiences.
He has a strong track record of establishing and driving strategic communications advice to corporates, their CEOs and executives, particularly in the financial services and member association sectors.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Executive
- Member of the Board of Advice for the University of Sydney Business School 's Discipline of Work
Blake Briggs is the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Services Council.
Blake became CEO of the Financial Services Council in January 2022 after joining the FSC as Deputy Chief Executive Officer in 2020, where he was responsible for policy and advocacy on behalf of FSC members.
Blake has extensive experience as an advocate for the financial services industry. Blake has previously worked for Westpac Group, as Head of Government Affairs for Wealth, and at the FSC as Senior Policy Manager for Superannuation. Blake has also worked as a policy adviser and industrial advocate for the Commonwealth Government and the NSW Business Chamber.
Blake is also a member of the Board of Advice for the University of Sydney Business School's Discipline of Work and Organisational Studies. Blake holds a Juris Doctor from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor in Commerce (liberal studies) from the University of Sydney.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advice Board Committee
- Head of Financial Literacy & Advocacy / BT Financial Group
Job Titles:
- Policy Director - Investments & Global Markets
Chaneg has extensive experience working in financial services regulation and State and Federal politics.
Before coming to the FSC, Chaneg was a Policy Advisor at the Insurance Council of Australia, where he worked on a review of the General Insurance Code of Practice and the industry's response to the Financial Services Royal Commission legislation. He has worked for a large insurer in corporate affairs and for several State and Federal Members of Parliament.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
- Global Head of Investment Management
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advice Board Committee
- Head of Technical & Advice Services / Macquarie Group
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Chief Executive Officer, Marsh McLennan Pacific and President of Mercer Pacific
David Bryant is Chairman of the Financial Services Council (FSC)
David is the Chief Executive Officer, Marsh McLennan Pacific and President of Mercer Pacific.
David leads a collaborative effort in the region to deliver innovative solutions and greater client impact at the intersections of the Company's four businesses: Marsh, Mercer, Guy Carpenter and Oliver Wyman. He is a member of the Marsh McLennan International Leadership Team and is accountable for the region's overall results.
In his role as Mercer President, Pacific and CEO, Australia, David leads Mercer's 2,000+ colleagues in Australia and New Zealand in providing trusted advice and best in class solutions in the areas of superannuation, investments and workforce consulting.
David joined Mercer in 2020 following a successful 40 year career in financial services, asset consulting, and banking across the Asia Pacific region. Previous roles include Chief Executive Officer, Wealth & Capital Markets and Chief Investment Officer at Australian Unity.
David is the Chairman of the Financial Services Council, a member of the Administration & Risk Board Committee and a member of the Nominations Board Committee.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- First Sentier Investor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
- Managing Director and Head of Australia & New Zealand
Job Titles:
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
- Group Executive, Asset Management / Insignia Financial Limited
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advice Board Committee
- Commercial Director - Investment Infrastructure / Iress Ltd
Job Titles:
- Events and Member Services Manager / Finance & Operations
Job Titles:
- Policy & Research
- Policy Manager - Investments & Tax
- Policy Manager - Investments & Tax / Member Services
James Young is a Policy Manager for Investments and Tax.
James has extensive experience in challenging areas of policy development and implementation, gained through work as an adviser in Federal Parliament and a consultant in strategic communications.
Having worked from the perspective of both proponent and regulator on the approval and implementation of contentious projects such as major infrastructure developments, James has engaged with Government, community and industry stakeholders to achieve common goals while meeting organisational objectives.
James studied economics as an undergraduate and holds two Master's qualifications, specialising in public policy and sustainability.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
- Director, Investments and Transformation
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Deputy Chairman
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
- CEO of AllianceBernstein Australia Ltd
- Chief Executive Officer for AllianceBernstein ( AB ) Australia
Jen Driscoll is Deputy Chairman of the Financial Services Council (FSC)
Jen Driscoll was appointed CEO of AllianceBernstein Australia Ltd in December 2013 and is responsible for the execution of strategic priorities for the local business and compliance with governance and corporate policies.
Jen joined AB in New York in 1997, servicing large institutional clients in the Northeast region of the US.
In January 2000, she relocated to London for three years to open the firm's London office, where she was responsible for developing and managing the Client and Consultant Relations team. Jen then joined the Sydney office in July 2004 as manager of Client Relations.
Jen is a Deputy Chairman of the Financial Services Council (FSC), is the Chair of the FSC's Standards Oversight Disciplinary Board Committee, is a member of the Administration & Risk Board Committee and is a member of the Nominations Board Committee.
Jen also holds a BA, with honors, in economics and political science from Fordham University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advice Board Committee
- Head of Advice Standards, Process and Regulatory Change / Insignia Financial Ltd
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advice Board Committee
- Head of Client for Wealth / Findex Group Ltd
Job Titles:
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
- Head of Investments
Job Titles:
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
- Country Head - Australia
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Chief Executive Officer, Colonial First State Superannuation
Kelly Power was appointed CEO Colonial First State Superannuation in July 2021 and is also an Executive Director of the Trustee Board.
Kelly oversees the superannuation business including investments and product. She is also a Director of the CFS Superannuation Trustee board.
Kelly is a former Director of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA).
Job Titles:
- Policy & Research
- Policy Manager - Superannuation & Innovation
Kirsten Samuels is a Policy Manager for Superannuation & Innovation
Kirsten comes to the FSC with over eight years of experience in policy and government relations, working across a number of peak bodies including ClubsNSW, the Outdoor Media Association and, most recently, the Australian Payments Network where she worked on issues such as scams, digital currency, and the Consumer Data Right. She has also spent time as an advisor to a NSW Government Minister and in policy at a local council.
Throughout her career, she has worked on a range of issues and across a number of industries, experiencing policy development from all aspects. She has extensive experience working in policy issues management, advocacy, thought leadership, and industry self-regulation.
Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Strategic Communication.
Job Titles:
- Company Secretary
- Legal & Compliance
Kylie joined the FSC in November 2017.
Kylie has over 30 years' experience in the financial services sector, with past work experience at the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) where she supported the secretariat for a number of years. Previous roles were also held at Aon, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Perpetual Trustees and AMP.
As Company Secretary Kylie provides secretariat support for the FSC Board and the industry and governance sub board committees, as well as assisting in governance matters.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
- Managing Director, Australia
Job Titles:
- Chartered Accountant
- Executive Director of Finance and Operations
- Finance & Operations
Lisa joined the Financial Services Council as the Financial Controller in July 2010.
Lisa is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 15 years' corporate experience in a diverse range of industries from entertainment, resources, and retail to financial services.
Lisa has held management positions in large ASX listed companies and private investment companies. She also has four years' experience in the Accounting Profession and works in the areas of financial management, statutory reporting and corporate compliance.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advice Board Committee
- Executive General Manager Advice / Australian Unity Funds Management Ltd
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advice Board Committee
- Director AMP Advice
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer ( CEO
- Chief Executive Officer, BT Financial Group
Matthew Rady was appointed to the FSC Board in September 2023.
Matthew Rady was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BT Financial Group in October 2021.
He is responsible for BT's Platforms, including the flagship Panorama, BT's personal and corporate super and investment products.
Nick Fels - Managing Director
Job Titles:
- Director
- Managing Director
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
- Chief Executive Officer of Bell Asset Management Ltd
- Member of the Committee
Nick was appointed to the FSC Board in October 2021.
Nick is the Chief Executive Officer of Bell Asset Management Ltd, and is also President and Director of Bell Asset Management USA Inc. He is responsible for the operations of the firms and their growth as specialist equity managers for Australian, North American and European investors.
Prior to joining Bell Asset Management as Chief Operating Officer in 2008 Nick held senior positions at Bell Potter, UBS Wealth Management and National Australia Trustees. His background includes product management, risk management, fund administration, active investment management and distribution.
Nick is a Co-Chair of the FSC Fund Management Board Committee.
Nick holds an MBA and Corporate Director's Diploma. He is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Governance Institute.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director and CEO of Challenger Limited
Nick was appointed to the FSC Board in February 2022.
Nick is the Managing Director and CEO of Challenger Limited.
He held a number of other senior executive roles at Challenger, since commencing in 2015, including Chief Executive, Funds Management.
Nick has also held senior leadership roles at Colonial First State and Invesco.
Nick has more than 20 years industry experience gained across Australian and international markets and has successfully led top tier global equity and multi-asset businesses both in Australia and the UK.
Nick is a Co-Chair of the Life Board Committee.
Job Titles:
- Executive
- Executive Assistant to the CEO
Regina joined the Financial Services Council as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer in May 2015.
Prior to joining FSC, Regina worked for the Australian National Retailers Association (now known as Retail Council) as the EA/Office Manager to the Chief Executive Officer.
Before her time with ANRA, Regina had extensive experience in working in NSW politics and dealing with Federal and State Ministers, Members of Parliament, Ministerial and Parliamentary staff and the general public for over 18 years.
Job Titles:
- CEO of Insignia
- Chief Executive Officer, Insignia Financial Ltd
- Co - Chair of the FSC Superannuation Board
Renato Mota, serves as Chief Executive Officer of Insignia.
Renato was appointed as CEO of Insignia in 2019. He brings more than 20 years' experience in financial services to the FSC Board.
Prior to his current role Renato held numerous executive roles as General Manager of Distribution, Investor Solutions and Corporate Strategy and Communications. His work has included leading the group's transformation strategy including the acquisition of MLC and a focus on enabling financial wellbeing for Australians through service excellence and technology. During his time with Insignia Financial Renato led the establishment of an Advice Academy, a goals-based coaching and business management program for financial advisers to help improve the quality of financial advice.
Prior to joining Insignia Financial in 2003, Renato worked for Rothschild and NAB in corporate finance roles with a focus on mergers and acquisitions where he was involved in wealth management transactions including the demerger of Henderson Group plc from AMP in 2003 and NAB's acquisition of MLC and Deutsche Financial Planning.
Renato is a Co-Chair of the FSC Superannuation Board Committee.
Renato has a BComm (Hons) and B.Bus and is a CFA® charterholder.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Advice Board Committee
- Executive Director, Head of Wealth Management
- Executive Director, Head of Wealth Management, Macquarie Group Ltd
- Member of the Committee
- Member of the FSC Administration & Risk Board
Sean is Deputy Chairman of the Financial Services Council
Sean has over 20 years' experience across financial advice, investment management, life insurance, superannuation and wealth platforms.
Sean leads Macquarie's wealth management division. Prior to Macquarie, Sean held a range of senior executive roles in financial services across Australia and Asia.
He is also a Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chair of the Black Dog Institute, a translational research institute that aims to reduce the incidence of mental illness and the stigma around it, to actively reduce suicide rates and empower everyone to live the most mentally healthy life possible. He has been appointed as a Strategy Council member of Heads Over Heels, which promotes gender equality in Australian business.
Sean is a member of the FSC Administration & Risk Board Committee and the Nomination Board Committee and is also a Co-Chair of the FSC Advice Board Committee.
Job Titles:
- Executive
- Executive Director of Member Services
Sharon is the Executive Director of Member Services and joined the FSC in September 2010 in a different role.
Sharon is responsible for (amongst other things):
Member acquisition, retention and relationship management;
The FSC website and database;
FSC-led training services administration;
Managing the FSC Life Insurance Awards program; and
Partnered with Events and sponsorship.
Before the FSC, Sharon worked in several businesses, including AMP and NRMA Motoring & Services.
Sharon holds a Graduate Certificate in Organisational Coaching (Swinburne) and an Advanced Diploma of Business Management (UNE) and can be contacted at ssherry@fsc.org.au or (02) 8235 2528.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
- Chief Executive Officer / Schroder Investment Management
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director of Policy and Advocacy
Spiro Premetis is the Executive Director - Policy and Advocacy of the Financial Services Council.
Spiro is responsible for coordinating and leading policy and advocacy at the FSC as the industry responds to ongoing legislative and regulatory change.
Spiro previously worked in the Federal Treasurer's office as Adviser for Financial Services and Superannuation and at the FSC as a Senior Policy Manager in the life insurance portfolio, across tax and economics, and within the industry at FSC member companies and at the Federal Treasury.
Spiro has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Economics with Honours from the University of New South Wales and a Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
- Head of Australia & New Zealand / Russell Investments Limited
Job Titles:
- Member of the Fund Management Board Committee
- Chief Executive Funds Management / Challenger Limited
Job Titles:
- Policy Director
- Policy & Research
- Policy Director, Advice & Platforms
Zach Castles is the Policy Director for Advice & Platforms.
Zach has over seven years' experience working directly in government, parliament and consulting in Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
He began his career as a researcher to the New Zealand Prime Minister, later advising two senior ministers in the government. Zach has helped develop corporate and government affairs strategies for multinational companies, professional bodies and industry associations as a consultant in the UK, this included a stint working for a minister immediately following the EU referendum. More recently he led the office of the current Financial Services and Superannuation Minister in Australia.
Zach holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Political Science and has strategic communications and policy experience gained across the roles he has held.