Count announces resignation of CFO

Laurent Toussaint has informed Count that he will leave the advice network at the end of September.

In an announcement to the ASX, Count said the search for a new CFO was underway, with Mr Toussaint continuing in the role until 29 September. This will take the business through the delivery of its full year financial results and ensure a “smooth transition”.

Hugh Humphrey, chief executive at Count, said: “The board of Count and I would like to sincerely thank Laurent for his significant contribution to the company’s success since joining the group as CFO in 2018.

“Personally, I am very grateful for his service and outstanding support to me in my time as CEO. We wish him every success in his future endeavours.”

Mr Toussaint was promoted to the role of chief financial and operating officer in May 2022 following a tenure as interim CEO before Mr Humphrey was hired for the role.

Mr Toussaint added: “I would like to thank Hugh, the board, and the entire team at Count for the opportunity to work in the company for the last five and half years.

“Whilst the time is right for a new and different challenge, I am very proud of the role I played in Count’s success and remain a vocal advocate of the company.”

Following the transition period with Count, Mr Toussaint will join asset management firm Mason Stevens as CFO in October, succeeding the retiring Wayne Twomey. Mr Toussaint will also join the Mason Stevens executive committee.

Mason Stevens CEO Tim Yule said: “Laurent’s strategic guidance and financial acumen, coupled with his track record of providing effective leadership, and experience in the IT and Wealth sectors, made him a perfect fit for Mason Stevens.

“We’ve set our sights on ambitious growth targets and the CFO is an important part of that journey. We look forward to welcoming Laurent to Mason Stevens and benefitting from the valuable contribution he’ll make to delivering our growth strategy.”

Mr Toussaint added: "I am excited to be joining Mason Stevens at such a pivotal time of growth and momentum for the business.

“Given its impressive track record and solid potential, I am confident that together with the talented team, we will achieve great things."

In May, Count rebranded from its previous name, CountPlus. In addition, four equity partner firms have chosen to rebrand their firms as Count, which is the first time that partner firms have chosen to trade under the Count brand in the company’s 43-year history.

As such, Count said it expected to see an increasing number of firms take on the new brand and boost the company’s national reach.

“Our company name change, brand transformation, and new value proposition give our clients greater certainty about our offering, providing them with the confidence to look ahead,” Mr Humphrey added.

“We remain committed to delivering high-quality financial advice for our clients. This new strategy strengthens Count’s position as a major player in the future of wealth management advice in Australia.”