Former Act Party MP Heather Roy and financial literacy specialist David Kneebone have joined the board of Financial Advice NZ as independent directors. In addition, Cecilia Farrow – founder of cloud software platform Triplejump – has been re-elected as Risk Practitioner Director.
In total, 63 people applied for the Independent Director positions and five financial advisers applied for the Risk Practitioner Director role.
Financial Advice NZ’s CEO Katrina Shanks says the calibre of applicants for the roles demonstrates the organisation’s “…growing profile and reputation, and the respect it has earned for financial advisers and financial advice”.
“This year, the Board recognised Financial Advice New Zealand had moved to a more mature, and sustainable, phase of its development,” says Shanks.
“Therefore, they sought the appointment of two additional Independent Directors who bring a unique set of skills and experiences.”
Heather Roy has extensive governance experience, is a former Minister of Consumer Affairs, and has been appointed for a term of three years.
David Kneebone, who has been appointed for two years, has 15 years’ experience in promoting financial literacy in three countries.
He’s Executive Director of New Zealand’s Commission for Financial Capability and until recently was General Manager/Director for the Investor & Financial Education Council in Hong Kong.
“David will bring the voice of the consumer to the Board,” says Shanks.
Cecilia Farrow has held the role of the Risk Practitioner Director on the Financial Advice New Zealand Board for the past two years and has a 25-year career in the financial services sector.