Changes made as focus turns to growth of network
One of Australia’s largest broker aggregators, AFG has announced some key changes to its executive team.
AFG CEO David Bailey told staff on Thursday that Lisa Bevan (pictured above left), would be appointed to the role of chief operating officer, Michelle Palethorpe (pictured above centre) would take on the role of company secretary and Sam McCready (pictured above right) would be given the newly created role of chief customer experience and digital transformation officer.
Bailey said the changes would occur as AFG headed into the new financial year with a focus on the support and growth of its distribution network and the “leveraging of acquisitions to deliver competition and choice to Australians seeking financial solutions”.
“As we position ourselves for FY24 we have taken the opportunity to examine the structure of our executive to ensure we have the flexibility to execute against our strategic ambitions and maximise both existing and new business opportunities,” Bailey said.
“To deliver across our strategy, I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Bevan to the role of chief operating officer at AFG.”
Bevan joined AFG’s founding directors as company secretary 25 years ago as AFG grew from a Perth start-up to become a national company in the ASX 300.
“Lisa’s depth of knowledge across AFG’s operations and profit drivers is exceptional,” Bailey said.
“Her understanding of our broker network and strong relationships across our business positions her as integral to our success as we consolidate our position as partner of choice to our broker and lending partners, embed our acquisitions, and maximise the opportunities across our value chain.”
Bailey also outlined Palethorpe’s change of position, from AFG general counsel to company secretary, retaining her current role leading the legal team.
“Michelle has an excellent breadth of understanding of our commercial business as our legal lead, and as company secretary will apply her legal acumen in this essential governance role,” he said.
“We are also very pleased to be welcoming Sam McCready to AFG later this month to the newly created role of chief customer experience and digital transformation officer.”
McCready will join AFG from Racing & Wagering WA, where he was most recently responsible for a significant transformation agenda across the technology division and the delivery of corporate strategy.
“Sam will lead the delivery of our products, services and technology to our broker network and our customers,” Bailey said.
“I look forward to working with our executive team to continue to deliver significant and sustainable future growth for our brokers, our customers, our team, our lender partners and our shareholders.”
AFG recently announced a partnership with non-bank lender Brighten Home Loans, which will involve the aggregator funding a new white label loan and delivering more product choice for its brokers and their clients.
In February, AFG announced the resignation of chairperson Tony Gill from the board after 15 years in the role, with deputy chair Greg Medcraft taking over the role of chair.
