Forbes Fava Saville appoints new ‘cornerstone’ GM role

Forbes Fava Saville Financial Planning (FFSFP) has appointed Gustavo Smarrini to the newly created role of general manager of operation.

In his new role, Smarrini will take on responsibilities such as strategic planning, business growth, mergers and acquisitions, client communications and engagement, talent recruitment, marketing and public relations, corporate events, and compliance.

Earlier this year, financial advice practices Forbes Fava Financial Planning and Finanalyze Financial Planning completed a merger and rebrand to form Forbes Fava Saville Financial Planning.

FFSFP’s senior financial adviser and chief executive Cameron Forbes said the general manager role was identified as a “crucial keystone link between the provision of financial advice and the growth of the business”, and Smarrini’s appointment to the role “will bolster the firm’s position and presence in the financial advice sector”.

“Gus’ depth of financial services experience, understanding of advice businesses and hands-on ability to proactively support advisory practices to deliver the highest standards of client advice and operational excellence, made him the obvious choice,” Forbes said.

“Our goal is to implement an internal framework that nurtures and encourages a team-based approach to tackle and address the issues of today and tomorrow – hence the importance of Gus’ appointment as GM operations.

“One of Gus’ key undertakings has been to bring new entrants and seasoned veterans together and develop an FFSFP pathway that provides career opportunities for advisers and administrative staff to flourish – including opportunities for financial advisory business owners to consider an alliance or succession solution with our group.”

Prior to this role, Smarrini was the practice development manager at Insignia Financial for more than 15 years, and MLC/NAB for more than 14 years.

“This is an exciting time to join FFSFP. Our commitment to managed growth and a personalised boutique approach to the provision of professional financial advice, aligns perfectly with my own values,” Smarrini said.

“I am eager to leverage my experience and background with the collective knowledge, expertise of the entire FFSFP team (including our alliance partners) to support the delivery of professional advice, solutions and service that address the evolving needs of our valued clients.”