Infocus announces dual senior appointments

Infocus has named Matthew Fogarty as executive general manager of strategic operations and Hayley Briggs as chief financial and operating officer to support the firm’s new revised operational model across the country.

“The appointments reinforce the firm’s commitment to accelerating its national expansion, aligned with a vision to empower advisers, advisory practices, and licence holders through a flexible, end-to-end advice model that fosters growth, innovation, and operational excellence,” the firm said.

Briggs is stepping into her new role with 27 years of experience in senior financial leadership roles across a number of global financial institutions, including JPMorgan, Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch in addition to being a Chartered Certified Accountant (CCA).

As chief financial and operating officer, she will be responsible for overseeing Infocus’ performance across both domains, including financial planning, cash flow management and financial analysis, as well as the firm’s people and culture strategy.

Prior to joining the firm, Fogarty held a number of senior roles across the financial services sector such as chief executive of Fitzpatricks Private Wealth, general manager of Garvan and MLC Financial Planning and director of The Encore Group, among others, amounting to more than 25 years of wealth experience.

In his new role, Fogarty will lead the Infocus Partner Program (IPP), collaborating with advisory firms to deliver capital solutions, operational efficiencies and integrated support systems “designed to drive long-term growth while keeping clients’ needs at the core”.

As the firm enters its next chapter, Infocus founder and managing director Darren Steinhardt said these appointments will help drive the next steps for the firm.

“The financial advice sector is at a turning point and advisers need a trusted partner who not only understands their unique challenges but is deeply and actively invested in their success,” Steinhardt said.

“Matthew and Hayley’s leadership will be key in advancing Infocus’ value proposition, driving innovation and delivering solutions that help advisers achieve client-first, best interest outcomes. We’re excited to welcome them and confident their expertise will be invaluable to the team.”

Meanwhile, Briggs said she is pleased to be able to help the firm achieve its overall mission of helping advisers succeed “in a way that works for them, no matter where they are in their advisory practice, or what their business model looks like”.

“Infocus is at an exciting stage of growth as a national advisory firm, and I’m delighted to be part of the journey. I am impressed with the culture and its strong, community-driven approach,” Briggs said.

“I’m proud to be part of a company that’s built for the future and committed to delivering real value for advisers, advisory firms, and ultimately, their clients.”

Fogarty likewise added that he is eager for the opportunity to support advisers to grow through his new position.

“Infocus is creating something totally unique in the Australian advice sector, offering member, partner and enterprise partnership models that provide flexibility and industry-leading support for advisers at every stage of their journey,” he said.

“What really draws me to Infocus, though, is the strong, adviser-first community. It’s the power of being part of something bigger, where everyone is invested in each other’s success and in making high-quality advice more accessible to people across the country.”