Robo-advice group appoints former Fortescue exec

Russell Scrimshaw has taken the role at Ignition after being deputy chief executive of Fortescue Metals Group and chair of UK-listed Sirius Minerals.

Previously, he had been divisional general manager and an executive committee member at CBA, where he was responsible for information technology and operations.

He is also chair of the Garvan Foundation and non-executive director of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.

“I am very excited to be part of what I expect will be a major international software and services company in the rapidly expanding financial services and advice sector,” Mr Scrimshaw said.

Peter Meurer, chair of the Ignition board, added, “He is one of Australia’s leading financial services experts.

“An appointment of this calibre will greatly assist Ignition as we continue to expand through partnerships with leading global institutions in 2021.”

Mr Scrimshaw has also been director of marketing at Optus Communications, vice-president of sales and service in the US for computer company Amdahl and a senior executive with IBM Australia.

Ignition Advice has signalled further hires in 2021, having declared Robert Coulter as a business development lead, APAC, and David Hempson as business development director, UK.

Mr Coulter will lead the group’s distribution partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region, from its Sydney office.

Previously, he was general manager of partnerships at the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and head of corporate development at AMP Advice. He has also worked with ING, BT, MLC and Asgard Wealth Solutions.

Meanwhile in the UK, Mr Hempson will be launching and leading Ignition’s new UK business.