Having served in the role for more than 10 years, Mr O’Connor informed the RIAA board that he would transition out of the role.
Ross Piper, chair of RIAA, acknowledged the time is right for both the organisation and Mr O’Connor to begin a leadership transition.
“Simon has been a highly effective, influential and catalytic leader in our sector for over a decade. He has shaped and deeply embodied the mission of RIAA with a passion for driving a healthy and sustainable future through finance,” said Mr Piper.
“The board expresses sincere thanks to Simon for his decade of service to RIAA, and also to the team and network of RIAA members. Simon’s time at RIAA has been highly impactful across the Australian and New Zealand financial services sectors. His leadership leaves a firm legacy and foundation from which we’re excited to now build upon for the next phase of RIAA’s growth.”
RIAA said Mr O’Connor oversaw a period of significant growth for the organisation, which now represents over 500 investment organisations across Australia and New Zealand, that collectively manage over US$29 trillion in assets.
Mr O’Connor said: “I am incredibly proud of the position that RIAA is in today and the influence and impact that we, as an organisation, have on a daily basis to drive a more sustainable future through finance. It’s been a privilege to hold this role and work with our brilliant team, our strong and committed board, and our passionate and engaged community of members for the last decade.
“The organisation has taken strong strides forward in recent years. It is in a fantastic position now for me to transition out and move to a new leader who — together with our strong team, leadership group, and board — can continue to build on the significant momentum and lead RIAA through the next important phase of this organisation’s 23-year journey.”
The organisation said Mr O’Connor will work closely with the board and team throughout the remainder of the year to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership.
RIAA added that the board would shortly begin a recruitment process to find a replacement, commencing a local and international search for RIAA’s next CEO.
