Shannon Wood

Professional services company, AZ Next Generation Advisory (AZ NGA) has appointed business transformation specialist, Shannon Wood, to the newly-created role of Head of Business Improvement.

Shannon is an experienced operations and people leader, having held the position of General Manager or Practice Manager at a number of boutique financial planning businesses including Fruition Wealth and Bright Wealth.

At AZ NGA, Shannon’s responsibilities include designing and implementing business improvement programs, M&A integration, and identifying and embedding best practice systems, processes and technology across the AZ NGA network of accounting and financial advisory firms.

She reports to AZ NGA Chief Operating Officer Graham McGeagh.

“As AZ NGA grows, we will steadily bolster our core team to continue supporting our business partners while remaining agile,” Mr McGeagh said.

“A key priority for AZ NGA over the next 2-3 years is to help our businesses develop and execute a Future Firm strategy, so it’s a great time to get Shannon on-board, given her experience in operations, business transformation and change management.”

According to Shannon, the unique opportunity to work with a diverse mix of high-quality businesses attracted her to AZ NGA.

“In my previous roles, I worked inside one business at a time but at AZ NGA, I have the opportunity to work with multiple businesses to effect change,” she said.

“People don’t tend to like change but change is actually positive and should be embraced.”

“Part of my role is to help business owners and leaders adopt and integrate technology solutions, develop and maintain a high performance culture, and ensure staff are engaged and come on the journey.”

The post AZ NGA appoints business improvement specialist to drive future firm strategy appeared first on AdviserVoice.

McGeagh, who also served as a Director of eleven Countplus-owned professional services firms including three as Chair, will join AZ NGA in early 2022 and report to Chief Executive Officer, Paul Barrett.

His role will include overseeing the delivery of AZ NGA’s offer and service proposition to member firms, driving business transformation initiatives, and helping execute the group’s vision and strategy.

Mr Barrett said the timing of McGeagh’s appointment reflected AZ NGA’s growth over the past six years, having completed 99 transactions to build a national network of accounting and financial advisory SMEs with annual revenues of over $120 million.

“We are at a critical stage in our journey and we are focused on assisting our member firms to realise their growth ambitions on our mission to become one of Australia’s preeminent professional services companies,” he said.

“Graham brings valuable skills and experience to AZ NGA and his appointment strengthens the senior leadership team. The industry is at an inflection point and we see plenty of opportunities for experienced, well capitalised players. We are ready to support accountants and advisers to participate in that growth story.”

McGeagh said: “AZ NGA stands out as a dynamic organisation with a clear vision and strategy, and the necessary skills, capability and capacity to execute that strategy”.

“It is a great business with extraordinary opportunities and I am excited about contributing to the group’s ongoing success.”

Prior to joining Countplus in 2018, McGeagh was Chief Executive Officer of Benson Radiology and Chief Executive Officer of Finlayson Lawyers.

His appointment follows a broader restructure at AZ NGA, which saw AZ NGA Partner and former Chief Operating Officer Paul Brain take on expanded responsibilities in addition to M&A, legal, banking and treasury.

The post Countplus COO joins AZ NGA to drive expansion plans appeared first on AdviserVoice.