Fitzpatricks Group has appointed a head of product, who previously spent 20 years at Colonial First State (CFS), to bolster its range of investment options.
Andrew Chapple has taken up the newly created position at the private wealth firm as it doubles down on strengthening its range of investment products and services for financial advisers and their clients.
The new head of product served at CFS for 21 years in a number of senior roles such as director of platform, head of product management, and product manager.
Chapple will report to Cheryl Talbot, Fitzpatricks’ chief financial officer. His appointment follows the firm’s investment management capability, Atrium Investment Management, announcing a partnership with Russell Investments for research and asset consulting services.
With Fitzpatricks being one of Atrium’s key clients, the partnership will enable Atrium to access Russell Investments’ universe of investment opportunities and strategies that would otherwise be out of reach.
Atrium will also access Russell’s global research platform across traditional asset classes and private markets, while leveraging Russell’s scale to deliver better fee outcomes for clients.
Andrew Fairweather, CEO of Fitzpatricks Group, said Chapple’s experience across superannuation, investments, and retirement income will bolster the company’s ability to deliver high-quality investment solutions for several target markets.
“Andrew will be responsible for setting the group’s product strategy and roadmap to ensure that our products and services continue to meet the needs of advisers and clients for both accumulation and decumulation,” the chief executive commented.
“Andrew has a stellar track record of large-scale product management and has successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver a wide range of digital, product, investment, regulatory, simplification, and change programs.”
Commenting on his new role, Chapple said: “I have deep and broad industry experience, and I am genuinely passionate about creating value and improving outcomes for clients and their families. I’m excited about contributing to the ongoing growth and success of Fitzpatricks, which has been enriching lives for generations.”
Fitzpatricks Group appointed Fairweather as its group chief executive last September, replacing Jodie Blackledge who had since taken up the role of CFO at AZ NGA.
Fairweather has been working in wealth management and financial advice for 30 years, and previously worked as head of business development at AMP and chief executive at Select Asset Management Australia.
The group CEO said at the time: “It is an honour to be entrusted with the leadership of Fitzpatricks Financial Group as it enters a new chapter. Having worked with the group in a consulting capacity since March 2024, I look forward to diving in further over the coming months and working closely with everyone to drive our shared vision forward.”
