New advice GM for Westpac/BT



Rob Coombe
Mark Spiers, chief executive of Magnitude Financial Planning, BT’s external financial planning arm, has been appointed general manager of advice for Westpac/BT.
Spiers replaces Sally Herman, who was recently appointed general manager, sustainability, brand and communications, for Westpac.
Sean Allen, who has been acting general manager since Herman’s departure, will return to his role as head of consumer advice NSW/ACT.
BT chief executive Rob Coombe said Spiers’ “in-depth knowledge of financial planning industry issues and opportunities would help shepherd BT’s advice business into a new era of customer service and solutions”.
“Sound financial advice has never before been such a vital service to so many Australians (at a time when) our super and retirement landscape is as confusing as ever for many.”
Spiers has held a number of senior executive positions in the financial advice industry and has made a significant contribution to the industry as a columnist, industry commentator and presenter.
He is currently deputy chair of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and has sat on the Legislation and Regulation Committee of the FPA for eight years, the last five as chairperson.
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