Former Count CEO joins SPAA board

Former Count Financial chief executive and managing director Andrew Gale has moved directly into the SMSFs space, joining the board of the Self-Managed Super Fund Professionals' Association (SPAA).

"The addition of Andrew to SPAA's board will provide valuable input to SPAA policy efforts," said SPAA chief executive Andrea Slattery.

"Andrew's experience, deep industry knowledge and insight in the financial services industry adds to our existing board of leading specialists who play a critical role in driving industry reform and advancing best practice professional standards," she said.

Last year, Gale oversaw Count's acquisition by the Commonwealth Bank, and prior to joining the group was a managing partner of Deloitte Actuaries and Consultants. He has also held senior executive roles in distribution, marketing and strategy with MLC and AMP.

"It is a pleasure to be joining the SPAA board and to help SPAA enhance its service offering in the future. This is particularly important at a time of such significant industry and regulatory change, and especially with the imminent accountant licensing requirements," Gale said.

Gale has also been a member of the Financial Services Council advice board committee and chaired the Accountant Financial Adviser Coalition.