Mr Nile brings extensive specialist experience in the operations, IT, risk and advice space to Plan B, with particular capability in major enterprise-wide project management. 

“Matt has an extraordinary track record in our industry and a demonstrated skill in bringing together the mission-critical streams of a growing business in a manner that ensures robust governance while driving organisational performance and efficiencies,” said Mr Black. 

“His appointment marks another step toward our strategic goals, ensuring that at the executive level we have the skills and strengths required to execute our plans and drive efficiencies within the business – despite the challenges of a rapidly changing and at times uncertain regulatory environment. 

“Many advice firms are in something of a limbo as FoFA unfolds – however that is far from the case for Plan B. Matt’s appointment is another sign of our commitment to move steadily ahead.” 

Matt Nile has built a reputation as a solutions-oriented performer with a passionate approach, and one who thrives on challenges. His career highlights to date include his role at BT Financial Group where he managed the risk integration of the wealth management businesses of Westpac and St. George – one of the largest mergers in Australian corporate history.  His most recent role was as Head of Program Management – Advice at BT, where he was involved in delivering efficiencies in advice and ensuring the business is risk and compliance ready. In the past he has also consulted to a number of high profile clients, in Australia and the United Kingdom. These include Aristocrat Leisure and Standard Life. 

In addition to his project management expertise in financial services and wealth management, Mr Nile has a strong background in information security management including consulting on a top-ten priority UK government project.

“My skills and interests are tailor-made for this position at Plan B and I relish the opportunity to be part of a dynamic and exciting growth story,” said Mr Nile. “There is real satisfaction in putting plans into action and seeing measurable outcomes, and this role is all about doing just that. It’s great to be working in a company that has such a strong vision for the future.” 

Mr Nile will commence with Plan B on Monday 9 January 2012.

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Mr Black welcomed the arrival of Mr Cramer, who will lead the firm’s critical areas of wealth management (advice) product and business development. 

“I am pleased to be able to attract an executive of Paul’s calibre to the team, and look forward to Plan B capitalising on the growth and development opportunities ahead of us. In talking to all of our advisers and staff in recent weeks I am even more confident that Plan B is uniquely placed to grow both as a business and a high quality advice provider to clients,” said Mr Black. 

Mr Cramer brings a distinguished track record with a number of quality financial services brands, including MLC, William Buck and Macquarie Private Wealth. He is a Certified Financial Planner and has held specialist senior management, sales management and business development roles. 

“I am delighted to be joining Plan B and returning to my roots in the financial advice sector,” said Mr Cramer. “The current environment in Australia supports the premise that holistic, ethical advice will continue to rise to the top, supported with quality financial products that are in the best interests of the client.”

Mr Cramer will officially start with Plan B on 21 November 2011.

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Mr Black joins the company at a critical juncture for the financial planning profession in Australia. Plan B’s client-focused heritage means the company is on a firm footing to embrace the proposed legislative reforms announced recently within the Government’s Future of Financial Advice (FoFA) package. 

The strong ethical base and client-focused values are a competitive advantage for Plan B, and one of the key reasons Mr Black was attracted to the role. 

“With the first tranche of FoFA now released, I can see a number of fresh growth opportunities for professional planning firms that offer quality, professional advice. In this respect, Plan B is one of our industry’s best kept secrets, in terms of its high quality service offering, client focus and organisational culture,” said Mr Black.

Plan B Chairman, Bryan Taylor, said: “We are pleased to welcome Andrew, and look forward to his efforts in helping us achieve our long-term strategic goals. The Board is confident that we have selected a CEO who truly understands the Plan B fiduciary heritage and client-centric approach.

“I can proudly say we are ahead of the game in terms of the proposed FoFA legislative standards and consumer protection measures. This means Plan B, under Andrew’s guidance, can focus on the growth opportunities the environment presents. Andrew’s commercial and business acumen will be most valuable in this regard,” he said.

Mr Black added: “Financial planning is a genuine service business. By its very nature it is also a people business, and so part of my role is to retain the high quality people at Plan B, while fostering a new generation of great people to carry our strong value proposition forward.”

Mr Black will officially start with Plan B on 19 September. He brings 30 years’ experience within the financial services industry, most recently as head of Skandia Australia Ltd when it was part of the global Old Mutual Group. He will report to the Board of Directors of Plan B.

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