Michael Houlihan has been appointed as the new vice chair of the SMSF Association, effective immediately.
The appointment sees him move from a position of non-executive director with the SMSF Association to replace Robin Bowerman, who retired from the industry body’s board yesterday, ending a nine-year stint as a director of the organisation.
SMSF Association chair Andrew Hamilton said Houlihan’s appointment indicated the depth of experience the body had among its senior office holders.
“Although it’s sad to farewell Robin after nine years, it’s a tribute to the calibre of the association’s board that Michael can step into this role,” Hamilton noted.
Houlihan brings 30 years of industry experience to his new position, having previously held senior leadership roles in the superannuation and financial services sectors. This includes being head of product and technical services at JBWere Investment Management and Vanguard Australia. He is currently joint managing director of SB Strategic Wealth Services.
“Since joining the board, Michael has played a very constructive and diligent role in all our deliberations, making him an ideal choice to fill the vice chair position,” Hamilton said.
Houlihan said it was an honour to be named as Bowerman’s successor and vice chair of the SMSF Association.
“I am excited by the challenges that await our vibrant sector of the superannuation industry and comforted by the fact that the association is well positioned to resolve them,” he said.
Hamilton acknowledged Bowerman’s service to the association, which included three years as vice chair and four months as chair when the position was vacated by Deborah Ralston’s appointment to the Retirement Income Review panel.
“There have been some challenging issues for the association over this period and the board has always benefited from Robin’s sage advice, policy knowledge and media background. His ability to see issues germane to the SMSF sector in the broader context of the superannuation industry has been particularly helpful over the journey,” he said.
Bowerman described his nine years on the board as a privilege and pleasure.
“Over this time there have been many positive changes in the SMSF sector and the association can take pride in its significant role in bringing them about,” he said.
In February, Bowerman stepped down as chair of the industry body and was replaced in the role by Hamilton.
