Count Financial names QLD-based practice development and growth manager

Count Financial has appointed Stephen Carton as its new Queensland-based practice development and growth manager.

Carton joins the firm from NAB and MLC, where he held a similar role. He was also the head of financial planning for AMP, where he was responsible for the performance of around 180 practices in Victoria and Tasmania.

It was Carton's history of recruiting advisers and boosting business that made him an attractive hire, according to Count's chief advice officer Andrew Kennedy. "Stephen's industry knowledge and ability to articulate our offer will be key as we target quality advice firms to join the Count Financial network," he said. "With experience working closely with small businesses, Stephen will help our Member firms consider new ways to grow revenue and navigate the unique challenges being felt across the advice landscape at present."

Carton says he's excited to start in his new role. "It has been interesting to follow Count Financial over the past year or so under CountPlus ownership. They are delivering a compelling value proposition to self-employed advisers centred around building a clean, sustainable licensee model for the future and they are investing in the resources needed to bring that vision to life."