Infocus appoints Darren Smith as Head of Practice Growth to accelerate adviser success

Darren Smith

Infocus Wealth Management has appointed experienced business adviser, executive and advice business owner Darren Smith as its new Head of Practice Growth, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to helping financial advisers drive growth, build stronger and scalable advice firms, drive enterprise value.

With more than 35 years of experience across financial services in Australia and the UK, Smith has built a reputation as a trusted adviser to business owners and leadership teams. His career spans senior executive positions, business ownership and strategic advisory roles, including the successful growth and sale of Financial Advice Matters Group in 2023. His expertise in business growth, leadership, strategic partnerships and enterprise value creation will underpin Infocus’ expanded focus on helping it network of advice businesses achieve their next stage of growth.

Created specifically to support adviser growth, the newly established role reflects increasing demand for proven and practical strategic guidance, support and hands-on execution to improve performance and capitalise on the myriad of growth opportunities available. In his new role, Smith will lead Infocus’ business growth agenda, leading a team of Practice Development Managers to help advisers identify opportunities, strengthen management disciplines, improve profitability and execute their growth strategies with greater confidence.

Infocus Founder and Managing Director, Darren Steinhardt, said Smith’s appointment represents a significant investment in one of the priority areas in which advisers are seeking support.

“Darren brings a rare combination of commercial experience, strategic insight and practical advice industry knowledge,” said Steinhardt.

“He has spent much of his career helping businesses navigate growth, improve performance and build long-term value. He’s practiced what he preaches, building and divesting a significant advice firm. His appointment significantly strengthens the support we provide our community of advisers as they look to take their businesses to the next level.”

Steinhardt said the creation of the role reflects the evolving needs of advisers.

“Advisers today are not only focused on delivering exceptional client outcomes. They’re also business owners managing growth, succession, talent, technology and operational complexity. Darren’s role is focused on helping advisers tackle those challenges with greater confidence and providing the support needed to build stronger businesses for the future.”

Smith said he was attracted to Infocus by its genuine commitment to adviser success.

“The most successful advice businesses are those that can balance delivering exceptional client outcomes with building a scalable and sustainable business model,” said Smith.

“What attracted me to Infocus is the depth of support available to advisers and the firm’s willingness to continue investing in new capabilities that help advisers achieve both. My focus will be working directly with advisers to help them identify opportunities, overcome barriers to growth and build stronger, more valuable businesses over the long term.”

The appointment forms part of a broader program of capability investment across Infocus, including the recently announced appointment of Terry Constable as Executive General Manager, Platforms, Anthony Vaiente as Head of Enterprise Growth, and Mitchell Healey as Asset Consultant.

Together, these appointments further strengthen the specialist expertise available to advisers across business growth, technology, platforms, investment management and operational support.

“Our goal is simple: to ensure advisers have access to the best people, expertise and resources they need to build highly successful advice businesses,” said Steinhardt. Darren’s appointment is an important part of that commitment.”

Steinhardt said the appointments collectively reinforce Infocus’ long-term strategy of bringing together advice, technology, investment solutions, business growth expertise, operational support, succession capability and strategic capital within a single adviser-focused ecosystem.

“The momentum we have created over the past twelve months reflects our confidence in the future of advice and our commitment to continuing to invest in the people and capabilities that matter most to our national community.”