The roles will support the ongoing expansion of the Group’s national wealth management footprint and to broaden its service offering to advisers.

John McMurdo, Group Managing Director of Fitzpatricks Financial Group welcomed Colin and Brett to the new positions at a pivotal point in a sector undergoing the scrutiny of legislators, media and the investing public.

“Fitzpatricks has undergone significant growth over the last 3 years with Funds under Advice in its network increasing from circa $500m in 2011 to over $2.5b today. This has occurred as high quality advisers from both other independent firms and institutions have sought to be part of a professional and client centric firm. Responding to this growth, I am pleased to announce Colin’s and Brett’s appointment which follows the senior appointment of David Dix as Director of Business Development last year.

“Having watched the rollout of the Future of Financial Advice amendments and the subsequent media attention around the value of financial planning, we see it as an unprecedented opportunity to position the Group’s focus on client outcomes in wealth creation and preservation, delivered through the highest of ethical standards”, Mr McMurdosaid. “Australia needs to know that there are clear and proven alternatives to the product sales and distribution culture that pervades our sector and we stand with other professional advisers in this regard”.

“Fitzpatricks is pleased to enlist Colin’s skills to help deliver the messages to market – that Financial Planning and Investment remains critical to the wellbeing of Australian families and that Fitzpatricks continues to be at the forefront of wealth advice and investment strategies into the future.”

“Brett’s Operational and Finance skills obtained overseas and in Australia will ensure our systems and procedures will continue to meet the high standards expected by advisers and clients as we continue to grow.”

“Colin and Brett join the Group with extensive industry experience. Colin in the marketing of wealth management services, having held Head of Marketing roles at Vanguard Investments and Colonial First State Global Asset Management and Brett in investment operations having held the position of General Manager for the Alternatives Investment Management Association (AIMA) and Chief Operating Officer at global fund manager, Brevan Howard”. The Fitzpatricks Group is represented in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and other major cities. It continues to expand its national presence but with strict, adviser peer review admittance criteria. The firm models itself on a professional services ethos with high standards of professional duty and client care.

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Gallagher was chosen to fill the role previously held by Brett Ireland who has decided to focus solely on a full-time role elsewhere within the financial services industry.

Gallagher has over twenty years experience in the finance industry including more than ten years in alternative investment management. Most recently he was CEO of Kima Capital Management, the Australian and Hong Kong based fund manager he co-founded. Prior to Kima, he was Head of Australasian Equities for Rand Merchant Bank, overseeing the Asian proprietary trading, fund of funds, ETFs and structured products divisions.

He has also held senior equity proprietary trading, derivatives, structuring and supervisory roles at Rand Merchant Bank and Macquarie Bank in Australia, South Africa and the UK.

AIMA Australia Chairman, Paul Chadwick, said Mr Gallagher is extremely well positioned to represent Australian hedge funds and their contribution to the financial services sector.

“Michael brings deep knowledge of the sector, understanding of the strategic and operational challenges of running a hedge fund and the passion to make Australia a vibrant hub for hedge funds and investors,” Chadwick said.

“His insights will greatly benefit members and our dialogue with investors, government representatives and regulators,” he said, while also commending Brett Ireland for his contribution to growing AIMA’s relevance and credibility in recent years.

“Michael will coordinate with AIMA’s various groups and stakeholders including its Executive Committee, Regulatory Committee and Education Committee, both locally and regionally to refine and implement the association’s strategic plans.”

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