FSC adds two new directors to the board

The Financial Services Council has appointed AMP Australian Wealth Management chief executive Scott Hartley to its board.

Hartley is an experienced financial services executive with more than 25 years' experience in executive management roles including 20 years in the wealth management industry.

Before joining AMP in January, he was chief executive of SunSuper for five years and served 15 years in various executive roles at National Australia Bank.

Most recently, he was executive general manager, corporate and institutional wealth.

Over his career in financial services, Hartly has been an executive director of Plum, a deputy chair of Jana, and general manager of strategy and marketing at MLC.

Also joining the FSC board, is Michelle Taylor, head of people, corporate affairs, and strategy at Challenger.

FSC chair, David Bryant noted that both Hartley and Taylor bring an immense wealth of knowledge across all portfolio areas of the FSC, and their knowledge and proven leadership will be an asset.

"Their respective talents and dedication to grow and protect the long-term financial wellbeing of Australians will be valued on the FSC Board, and we look forward to working with them," he said.

Separately, the FSC has appointed Blake Briggs as acting chief executive as outgoing CEO Sally Loane steps down after seven years leading the financial services industry association.

Bryant said as deputy chief executive, Blake has also led the FSC's policy team and his appointment will ensure the FSC continues to be a strong advocate for the financial services industry and its consumers.

"Blake has brought the industry together on key issues, including advocating for reforms to make financial advice more accessible and affordable, and promoted the interests of superannuation and life insurance consumers by bringing an end to occupational exclusions in group life insurance policies," he said.