For the first time two people have been recognised as the Association of Financial Advisers' (AFA) Adviser of the Year.
Paul Daily from Professional Investment Services in Queensland and Adam Smith from Charter in Western Australia were crowned joint winners at the AFA National Conference gala dinner in Melbourne last night.
Daily and Smith are prime examples of the new-style adviser that is energising the association and industry, AFA treasurer and past national president Dennis Bateman said.
"The judging panel was unable to split these nominees, and thought it appropriate that they both be recognised for not only the quality of advice they provide, but also their contributions to their industry and the broader community," Bateman said.
AFA chief executive Richard Klipin said it was the first time in the history of the awards that the AFA had attracted such a significant number of nominees in their forties.
Earlier yesterday, the AFA also announced changes to its board, with past New South Wales/ACT director Jim Taggart appointed AFA's new national president.
Past national president Dennis Bateman was appointed treasurer and past Victoria director Kerry Sharp was appointed vice president.
New arrivals to the board are Troy Edmondson, Queensland director; Michael Murphy, South Australia and Northern Territory director; Esther Althaus, Victoria director; Stephen Knight, Western Australia director; Marc Bineham, New South Wales director; and Tony Smith, Tasmania director.
All board members are elected every two years, except for the chief executive who is hired by the AFA.
