The Financial Services Council (FSC) has appointed deputy chief executive Blake Briggs as acting chief executive in the lead-up to the departure of Sally Loane, who announced her resignation in October after seven years with the organisation.
Briggs was appointed as deputy chief executive in May 2020 after he rejoined the FSC following a two-year stint as Westpac head of government affairs for its wealth business. Prior to that, he was FSC superannuation senior policy manager for six years.
FSC chair and Mercer Australia chief executive David Bryant said he was pleased to appoint Briggs to the acting chief executive role while the executive search process announced in October continues.
“As deputy chief executive, Blake has also led the FSC’s policy team and his appointment will ensure the FSC continues to be a strong advocate for the financial services industry and its consumers,” Bryant said.
“Blake has brought the industry together on key issues, including advocating for reforms to make financial advice more accessible and affordable, and promoted the interests of superannuation and life insurance consumers by bringing an end to occupational exclusions in group life insurance policies.”
Bryant thanked Loane, who will step down as chief executive on 23 December, for her leadership of the FSC through a period of change and her contribution to the development of positive policy and industry reform.