The Personal Finance Society has announced the appointment of Gary Shaughnessy to its board.
He joins as an adviser to the board, replacing Old Mutual Wealth UK managing director, Scott Goodsir, who steps down from the position after two years.
Shaughnessy (pictured), who is chief executive of Zurich’s UK Life, began his career in financial services with the Bank of Scotland in 1989. He followed that with spells as UK retail life & pensions managing director with Prudential and UK managing director at Fidelity International, prior to joining Zurich in 2012.
He said: “I am delighted to offer my services to the PFS board and its members at such a key stage of evolutionary change for the financial advice profession.
“The sector fulfils a vital role in serving the public and in the wake of the pension reforms, UK consumers have never needed professional advice as much.
“The financial advice sector and the PFS have made huge strides in the last two years and I am looking forward immensely to having this opportunity to further contribute to its continuing progression.”
Shaughnessy joined the PFS board in January and attended its annual officers’ conference in Birmingham last week, where a number of strategic plans were announced for 2015. These include an enhanced member’s support programme, a new consumer website and new adviser directory.
Personal Finance Society chief executive, Keith Richards, added: “Gary brings a wealth of expertise to the role, which will be invaluable in helping with the continuing growth of the society, our member support and consumer initiatives.
“PFS membership continues to rise consistently and as the largest professional body for the sector, we have a key role to play in supporting and guiding the profession to better influence a more vibrant financial services landscape.
“I would also like to thank Scott Goodsir for his contribution, commitment and support over the past two years. Our strategic thinking has been enriched as a consequence and I wish him every success for the future.”