SMSF Association chief executive John Maroney has announced he will depart the organisation in early 2023 after nearly six years in the role.
Speaking today at the association’s Technical Summit on the Gold Coast, Maroney said he would step down after the industry body’s 2023 National Conference, which is scheduled to take place in February next year.
He will be succeeded by association deputy chief executive and director of policy and education Peter Burgess, who will take on the chief executive position from March 2023.
Maroney, who has been chief executive since May 2017, said: “As the association approaches its 20-year anniversary in 2023, it remains recognised as the pre-eminent organisation in the SMSF sector by government, policymakers, regulators, educators and the industry. We have also been a driving force in building collaboration across the financial sector.
“Having weathered the COVID storm and returned to hosting large, physical events, including the National Conference in April and Technical Summit this week, 2023 is the ideal time to hand over to Peter for the next growth phase of the sector and association.”
“It’s been a pleasure to serve our members and all those people who are part of the broader SMSF community.
“So thank you everyone who has supported me and supported the association over the past five years.”
Burgess, who rejoined the body in May 2020, after having previously held the role of technical director from 2010 to 2013, said: “I am passionate about our members and helping them to provide the best SMSF advice they can. They are rightfully considered experts in this field and ensuring they have all the necessary skills and education to remain the elite advisers will be my priority. I look forward to working with the board and members to achieve this outcome.
“I want to thank John and the association for making sure I’ve been included in everything. It means when the time is right it will be very easy for me to step into the role of CEO.”
Association chair Scott Hay-Bartlem added: “We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Peter’s calibre to succeed John. His knowledge of the sector is legendary, with his annual ‘legs and regs’ address to the National Conference always compulsory listening.
“Since John’s appointment in 2017, he has had the onerous responsibility of guiding the association and its members through exciting and challenging times, particularly the dynamic regulatory environment and handling the enormous impact of the COVID pandemic.
“I know I speak for the board and all members when I say John has performed admirably in very difficult circumstances and that the strong position in which we find ourselves is, in no small part, due to his leadership.”
