Industry Funds Services (IFS) has hired Nick Coates as economist and government relations manager.
In the job, Coates will focus on interpreting public policy and government lobbying.
"With industry super predicted to be the fastest growing sector in superannuation, it is appropriate that we have the capacity to represent the best interests of the funds and their members," IFS chief executive David Whiteley said.
Coates was previously a senior policy officer with consumer advocate group Choice. Prior to this Coates was a finance academic at the University of Western Sydney.
"Nick brings tremendous experience in consumer advocacy, government relations and policy development. These are activities that we will be pursuing with vigour," Whiteley said.
Coates said the move to IFS was a natural extension from his role at Choice.
"In my previous job one of the issues I focused on was commissions charged by financial planners. Industry superannuation funds don't pay commissions to advisers. I see the move as a natural extension of my role that I had with Choice," Coates said.
