FPA appoints new chairman

Steve Helmich was today elected new chairman to the board of theFinancial Planning Associationof Australia following the decision by John Godfrey to stand down for personal reasons.

Helmich is director of advice and services at AMP Financial Services in Sydney and has been an FPA board member since December 1999.

Helmich has had extensive experience in the financial services industry, having been with AMP for 27 years and was appointed managing director ofAMP Financial Planningin October 1995.

In August 2000, Helmich was appointed advice and services Director with AMP Financial Services.

"I am looking forward to strengthening the FPA's leadership role in the financial services industry", he says.

Godfrey, who is regarded as one of the founders of financial planning in Australia, said it was important for the chairman of the FPA board of directors to hold the position during the substantial changes to the composition of the board that would occur over the next two years.

Helmich articulated the entire board's appreciation of Godfrey's work as chairman and noted his length of tenure dedication to the financial planning community.

FPA chief executive Ken Breakspear also made note of Godfrey's endeavours with regard to the good governance of the FPA during his 12 months as a director and during his period as chairman.

Godfrey had been a long-standing member of the FPA, and had served two terms as chairman of the FPA's Public Policy Committee.

He was made a life member of the FPA in 1998.