Centric Wealth, one of Australia’s leading wealth advisory firms, announced the appointment of senior Investec Bank executive, Phil Kearns, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr Kearns will commence with Centric on 12 December.
Centric Chairman, Mr David Shein, said, “The Board and management are thrilled that Phil will be joining Centric as CEO. The Board evaluated a number of outstanding candidates for the role, and ultimately decided that Phil is best suited to lead the Company.
“At Investec Phil was instrumental in building the private bank’s client base and in introducing investors to innovative investment products, including aircraft and wind farm investment funds. In addition, he has been responsible for leading significant corporate transactions in wealth advisory and other industries. This combination of experience, plus his prior experience as Managing Director of a human capital firm, gives Phil a special skill set to further grow and develop Centric.
“Phil played for the Wallabies from 1989 to 1999 and captained the team on ten occasions, demonstrating his inspiring leadership qualities. During this period he also led the push to professionalism in the sport.”
Mr Kearns said, “Centric is recognised as having the most professional advisors in the industry, whether in financial planning, risk insurance, lending or family office services. We are entering a new era of financial advice where client centric advice is critical. In this regard, Centric is ahead of the game and I see an amazing opportunity for growth.”
Centric also announced that Chief Financial Officer, Mr Chris Powell, will take on the additional role of Chief Operating Officer. Chris was formerly the Regional CFO of Zurich Financial Services Australia and New Zealand, spanning the Life, Investments and General Insurance businesses. At Zurich Chris oversaw the company’s numerous investments in licensed financial planning groups, including DKN Limited, and was Chairman of Lonsec Limited, Australia’s largest managed funds research house.
“Chris joined Centric as CFO in July and since that time has made a significant mark on the business” said Mr Shein. “I am particularly pleased that, with the appointments of Phil and Chris, along with the existing heads of business, Centric now has in place a complete senior management team. This team can rapidly grow the business while adhering to Centric’s core values of transparent relationships where client interests always come first.
“Centric is further strengthened by CHAMP Private Equity’s continued support for the business, providing a strong capital base for growth,” Mr Shein said.
