Calls it a day after 20 years in sector, to be replaced by Daniel Marsi
Finance services stalwart Brendan O’Donnell, who founded aggregator Liberty Network Services 12 years ago, has announced his retirement.
O’Donnell (pictured above left), the managing director of LNS, which was set up in January 2012, has spent almost 20 years in the mortgage broking industry.
LNS state manager Daniel Marsi (pictured above right) will take over from O’Donnell in the new financial year stepping into the role of CEO. LNS is part of Liberty Financial.
Prior to working at LNS, O’Donnell was CEO of aggregator Choice and also spent seven years with South African banking firm Absa Group.
O’Donnell said he was grateful for the opportunity to grow the boutique aggregator within the Liberty group, with the backing of a strong, and ever-growing brand. LNS notched up second spot in the boutique aggreators category in MPSA's Brokers on Aggregators 2023
“It has been an honour to work with so many passionate professionals at LNS, who work tirelessly to support our advisers and help more people get financial,” O’Donnell said.
“It has been a career high to watch LNS grow into the strong, dedicated network it is today.”
The announcement of O’Donnell’s retirement comes as LNS prepares for the end of the financial year, with the number of Liberty Network Services advisers reaching 220 – the highest level yet.
“By far the highlight of the past 13 years has been the people,” O’Donnell said.
“My team, the advisers, and the opportunities to help more people get financial is what has kept me driven and dedicated. But it’s time to pass on the baton, and I can think of none better to steer the network to an even bigger and brighter future than Daniel.”
Marsi has spent 10 years with LNS after a career start at Aussie and then GE Capital. He will bring 18 years of industry experience to the role of LNS CEO.
He said he was excited for the opportunity to build on O’Donnell’s legacy.
“I have learned a great deal working alongside Brendan,” Marsi said.
“He has navigated LNS through challenging times and leaves the network in a stronger position than ever before. I am excited for this next chapter and continuing the good work of helping more brokers build their business with LNS.”
Liberty CEO James Boyle thanked O’Donnell for his significant and valuable contributions to the Liberty group.
“Brendan has demonstrated distinguished strategic leadership at Liberty Network Services for the past 13 years,” Boyle said.
“We thank him for his valuable contribution, confident that the transition of leadership to Daniel will be smooth and seamless.
“The measure of a good leader is the ability to step away and know that your team can carry on without you. Brendan has fostered a strong and dedicated team, who are set up for success, and we look forward to seeing Daniel build on this legacy.”
LNS notched up second spot in the boutique aggreators category in MPA's Brokers on Aggregators 2023
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