Fitzpatricks Financial Group today announced the appointments of Colin Bold as Head of Marketing and Brett Ireland as Chief Operating Officer. The appointments will help position the Group to be the preeminent privately owned financial planning and investment organisation, servicing the needs of the Private Wealth sector.

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 McMurdo said. “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.