Suncorp Life-owned dealer group, Guardian Financial Planning, has appointed Simon Harris as its new executive manager in a move to strengthen its offer and alignment to advisers.
Most recently head of national accounts at CommInsure, Harris oversaw key account relationships, significantly broadened the company’s distribution footprint and lead the team to benchmark levels in dealer group relationship management, Suncorp Life said.
Reporting to Asteron’s executive general manager, Jordan Hawke, Harris will be an integral part of Hawke’s management team and be responsible for repositioning Guardian as a leading dealer group, driving its offer for existing advisers and those in the broader market.
“Simon will work closely with our current advisers to assist them to grow successful businesses, and to recognise the importance of relationships and the value they bring to the Guardian group,” Hawke said.
Harris has held management roles in distribution, market development, operations, product sales and marketing, and has a track record of developing and implementing profitable growth strategies, and delivering best practice dealer group management initiatives and results, the group said.
“Simon is an experienced professional with a strong understanding of the investment and risk market, the needs of advisers, and dealer group offerings,” Hawke said.
“He has a passion for advisers and brings the right skills to provide a comprehensive offer to them while driving the Guardian business into the next phase of the industry.”
Harris, who has also worked with Tower Australia and Axa, will commence in the role on 10 January.
He succeeds Steve Browning, who exited the group on good terms recently for personal reasons.
