12 July 2013

FMA strategic leadership team appointments

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) today announced the appointment of Sue Brown to the new position of Head of Strategy, Innovation and Engagement.

From Monday 15 July, Ms Brown will step aside from her current duties as Head of Primary Regulatory Operations to lead FMA’s change management programme over the next nine months.

FMA CEO Sean Hughes said the appointment reflected the need for FMA to prepare itself for upcoming legislative reforms and the internal changes needed to respond to those reforms.

“The most significant change is the Financial Markets Conduct Bill which is due to be passed by Parliament later this year,” said Mr Hughes.

“I am delighted Sue has agreed to accept the new role which underpins the importance FMA places on assisting the market with new regulatory requirements.”

Simone Robbers will step into the role of acting Head of Primary Regulatory Operations. Ms Robbers has been responsible for developing and leading FMA’s regulatory policy approach to financial markets legislative reform, including the Financial Markets Conduct Bill.

Ms Robbers is a senior lawyer with a strong commercial background in financial services and has held senior legal, risk and compliance roles in the financial services industry both in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom.

“I welcome Simone to the executive leadership table and am confident she will continue to make a strong contribution especially in her interaction with market participants,” said Mr Hughes.

Scott McMurray will continue as acting Head of Stakeholder Management. Mr McMurray stepped into the role in March when Diane Maxwell was appointed interim Retirement Commissioner. Ms Maxwell was confirmed in the role in June.

“Scott brings strong leadership skills to FMA’s stakeholder management and communications activities,” said Mr Hughes.

FMA’s strategic leadership team which is tasked with delivering fair, efficient and transparent financial markets now consists of:

Belinda Moffat – Head of Enforcement
Elaine Campbell – Head of Compliance Monitoring
Michelle Taylor – Head of People, Capability and Culture
Sue Brown – Head of Strategy, Innovation and Engagement
Simone Robbers – acting Head of Primary Regulatory Operations
Liam Mason – Head of Legal and Board Secretary
Dave Brady – Head of Finance and Business Operations
Adam Hunt – Head of Strategic Intelligence
Scott McMurray – acting Head of Stakeholder Management

“In light of my announcement yesterday that I will not be seeking re-appointment as Chief Executive at the end of my term later this year, I am confident that this executive team has the right mix of diverse perspective and experience as well as stability to support me in leading the organisation while the search for my successor is underway,” said FMA CEO Sean Hughes.

Ends