National dealer group Sentry Financial Group (Sentry) has appointed Howard Horder to the newly created role of regional manager for Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
"The appointment of Howard Horder reflects Sentry's commitment to its growth strategy and to providing our advisor network with support at a local and accessible level to grow their practices, achieve their personal and professional development aspirations and service the financial and protection needs of clients," Sentry chief executive Murray Hills said.
Horder, who was previously regional manager for Financial Services Partners, will be responsible for research, recruiting new practices and advisers, liaison with alliance partners, and the implementation and management of learning and development programs.
Horder's appointment coincides with ING Australia's announcement yesterday that it had exercised its option as one of Sentry's strategic partners to take a 37.5 per cent stake in the dealer group and two seats on the Sentry board.
"The partnership with ING Australia will provide Sentry with additional scale, financial leverage and expertise to further support our national network of member firms and their financial planning and risk advisors," Hills said.
"Member firms and advisors can be assured that together with the existing strong and experienced Sentry management team, the enhanced financial security and high reputational standing of their licensee will provide greater stability and certainty for their own businesses in future years."
Since Sentry announced the initial partnership with ING Australia in March 2008 its advisor network has increased by 25 to 98 advisers.
