AZ NGA adds executive general manager

AZ Next Generation Advisory (AZ NGA) has announced plans to expand its executive team with the creation of a new executive general manager role to be filled by Chesne Stafford in July 2024.

Stafford is currently employed at HUB24 as the chief growth officer, where she has worked since June 2022. When she steps into her role at AZ NGA in July, she will report to chief executive Paul Barrett.

Stafford has gained over 25 years of experience in financial services in areas such as superannuation, wealth management, life insurance, and advice. Prior to HUB24, she worked at MetLife Australia for seven years as a chief distribution officer and then a chief customer and marketing officer.

Speaking on her upcoming role, Stafford said it presented an opportunity to improve access advice.

“Financial advice is life changing and this role enables me to make a greater difference in helping more people get access through the growth and prosperity of high-quality wealth firms,” she said.

“I’m inspired by what has been achieved so far and the opportunity ahead of us to continue to shape the Australian wealth industry.”

Barrett added that the appointment aligns with the company’s current growth trajectory.

“Chesne is a strong leader with a proven record of driving growth and delivering value to clients. We are excited to have her on board at this important time for AZ NGA, as we seek to accelerate our growth, develop a customer strategy, and cement our position as Australia’s leading professional advisory business,” he said.

“AZ NGA is maturing and changing shape. We are on an exciting journey, as we seize the enormous opportunity in front of us to fill the void left by the institutional exit from personal advice. We want to partner with accounting and advisory firms to deliver quality advice to more Australians.”

The firm saw consistent expansion last year with the company executing 17 mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in 2023, 13 by its member firms and four by AZ NGA directly.

Speaking in February on the company’s growth, Barrett said AZ NGA has never been more active in the acquisition space and its M&A appetite remained “very, very high”.