AZ NGA announces C-suite appointment

AZ Next Generation Advisory (AZ NGA) has appointed Jodie Blackledge as group chief financial officer (CFO), reporting to group chief executive Paul Barrett, as the firm focuses on accelerating its growth.

Having spent around three decades in the financial services sector, Blackledge brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role.

Most recently, Blackledge was chief executive for Fitzpatrick’s Financial Group for more than six years, prior to which she spent time as the CFO for AUB Group and The Trust Company.

Speaking on the announcement, Barrett noted the important role Blackledge will play in the future of the firm as it pushes for the next stage of growth.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Jodie join AZ NGA at this important time for the business, as we focus on accelerating growth, expanding our range of services and achieving our ambitious goals and targets,” Barrett said.

“Jodie will be working closely with me and the executive team to leverage our commercial finance capabilities and drive sustainable value for employees, clients and shareholders.”

After years of challenge and evolution in the financial advice sector following the royal commission, Blackledge said she is pleased to be joining the firm as it lays the groundwork for the future.

“AZ NGA, in partnership with quality accounting and advice businesses, is investing in the future of the sector, and I’m excited to be part of that and make a meaningful contribution going forward,” Blackledge said.

“The investment AZ NGA is making in the industry will shape the future of advice for the next generation of advisers and clients.”

This announcement follows the finalisation of Oaktree Capital Management’s $240 million investment to become AZ NGA’s largest shareholder in December, while Azimut management and business owners retained a “strategic stake” in the company.

Speaking at the time, Barret said the firm had “ambitious goals to triple the size over the [next] three to five years through a combination of M&A and organic growth”, with the Oaktree partnership providing the necessary capital to fulfil the firm’s short-to-medium term plans.

“In the next 12 months, our focus is on accelerating our Super firm program, ramping up M&A activity, key transformation initiatives and continuing to elevate to a high-performance culture,” the CEO said.