Foresters names new CEO

Member-owned financial services specialist Foresters Financial has appointed Emma Sakellaris as chief executive to expand the firm's reach and product range.

Sakellaris joins Foresters from Rural Aid, where she was director of philanthropy and development.

Before that, she was executive general manager at Australian Unity Trustees.

Sakellaris began her financial services career at ANZ Wealth before moving to ANZ Trustees, where she led the client management business.

She helped lead the merger between ANZ Trustees and Equity Trustees and subsequently joined Equity Trustees as general manager of estates and trusts.

Foresters chair Caroline Banhidy said Sakellaris' appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company's growth.

"Foresters has plans to launch a range of new products in 2022, as well as to expand its national footprint and quality of member and referral partner engagement," she said.

"Emma's expertise in the establishment and running of trustee companies, as well as her significant experience with management of client relationships, including multi-generational; charitable and estate law, and investment management make her a good fit for the team."

The chair added that Sakellaris' experience would help pave the way for Foresters as it enters its next stage of growth.