FPA hires Sarah Abood as CEO

The Financial Planning Association of Australia has appointed Sarah Abood as its new chief executive. She succeeds Dante De Gori who will step down from the role at the end of January.

Abood joins from HOPE Housing Funds Management, where she was most recently chief operating officer.

Before that, she spent nine years as chief executive of Profile Financial Services.

Earlier, she worked at Pendal Group and Fidelity International.

Abood said she is joining the FPA at a crucial time in the profession's development.

"There is growing recognition of the role that financial planners play in helping Australians meet their financial goals and achieve financial security. In particular, financial planners have a crucial part to play in supporting the post-pandemic economic recovery," she said.

"The FPA is the largest professional association for financial planners and has a strong track record and heritage in supporting their needs. It is strongly positioned to continue supporting its members, and the financial planning profession as a whole, as it enters 2022.

"I am impressed by the FPA's vision for the future of financial planning as a vibrant and integral part of Australia's prosperity, and look forward to playing my part in achieving this."

Commenting on the appointment FPA chair, Marisa Broome said: "Sarah impressed the board with her deep understanding of the financial planning profession, and the demands of running a financial planning practice.

"She is also very passionate about the financial planning profession and how it has transformed itself in recent times."

"As the CEO of the FPA, Ms Abood will build upon the strong legacy of Dante De Gori to further develop services and support for members and the financial planners of the future."

Broome paid tribute to the work of De Gori who is leaving the FPA after twelve years, including six years as chief executive.

"Dante's contribution and advocacy during a period of great change and upheaval have been instrumental in helping develop recognition for financial planning as a profession. He will leave a lasting positive legacy at the FPA, and we wish him all the best for his future plans," she said.