Kewin departs AFA

Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) chief executive Philip Kewin has stepped down.

Kewin said that after four years at the head of the organisation, the time was right for new leadership. "With new President Michael Nowak on board and solid foundations for the association's future now in place, the time is right for me to pass the baton."

Kewin took pride in his achievements with the organisation, pointing to the way they have represented the industry during one of the most challenging periods in the history of the profession. "I would like to thank the AFA team for continuing to deliver outcomes that any large team would be proud of; our volunteer brigade of Communities of Practice for continuing to build the AFA Community; our AFA Partners for their unwavering support for advice, and of course, our AFA members who continue to demonstrate endurance and resilience in unprecedented times, to deliver great outcomes for their clients."

Kewin came to the AFA after seven years with Zurich Financial Services as GM of Life and Investments. He also spent nearly 14 years with ING Australia as head of aligned distribution.

AFA President Michael Nowak said that thanks to Kewin's leadership, the AFA's reputation for effectiveness and professionalism has increased. "Phil's tireless and ongoing engagement with key stakeholders has been instrumental in gaining the deadline extensions to the FASEA exam and degree equivalent requirements," he said. "Similarly, [Kewin] facilitated our collaboration with the Financial Planning Association, Financial Services Council, and other industry stakeholders, via forums such s the AFA/FPA Joint Associations Life Insurance Task Force and Choice and Access to Life Insurance (CALI), which have positioned us well with the Federal Government and the Opposition as they prepare to consider the future of life insurance commissions under the Life Insurance Framework.

"Phil has advanced the AFA's reputation as an influential professional body, and we are fortunate that he leaves us with a larger member base and with enhanced relationships with the Government and regulators.

"Advisers have no bigger advocate than Phil. His championing of adviser and member well-being was most significantly demonstrated by the establishment of AFA Care, which he initiated. While we will miss him, we thank him for all his efforts."

The FAF GM for policy and professionalism Phil Anderson has been appointed acting CEO while the AFA board searches for a permanent replacement.