Chief executive to stand aside

The chief executive of a major dealer group has announced his plans to step down.

Wednesday, March 21st 2018, 1:00PM

Kepa chief executive Jeff Page said he would step aside later this year.

He has more than 40 years’ experience in the financial services sector and has led Kepa since it emerged from the combination of TNP and Ginger Group in 2014.

Kepa said he would stay on until a replacement was found and would remain a shareholder and director.

Page said: “It is an opportune time for Kepa to transition to new leadership. We enable financial advisers to focus on what they do best; build relationships with clients and then help them to manage their needs.

“With the impending transition of regulatory responsibility from individual advisers to financial advice providers, Kepa’s advisory solutions are more relevant than ever. It is right that fresh ideas and thinking are brought to bear on what is a significant opportunity for the group.

“After assisting Kepa with the transition to new leadership, I am looking forward to spending more time with my wife Barb, our Harley Davidson motorcycles and a tourism venture we have been planning for the Central North Island.”

Kepa chairman David Johnstone said: “Jeff has provided strong leadership since Kepa was established. He has presided over the growth of the group and brought with him a strong and loyal team of advisers that are committed to and, thanks to Kepa’s solutions, are able to deliver financial advice that meets regulatory and best practice standards.

“And, due in no small measure to Jeff’s foresight, we are now the country’s largest dealer group offering financial solutions that extend from life, fire and general insurance to mortgages and wealth management.

“The Kepa board thanks Jeff for his tireless commitment to, and passion for, the company. We wish him well with his next venture and look forward to having him continue his good work with the Kepa membership.”

Johnstone said the board had already commenced its search for a new chief executive and would keep members and partners updated on progress.

He said Kepa remained focussed on its core mission of enabling advisers to build better and more profitable businesses.

The group’s immediate focus was on four strategic initiatives to enhance the range and quality of services it offers, ready the group for the passing of the Financial Services Legislation Amendment Bill, assist its members with ongoing development and education and drive the continued success and growth of the group.

Kepa is building the framework to ensure it can be a licensed entity under the new legislation. Through the programme, dubbed Fit4License, Kepa will be able to guarantee that all its members meet the new regulatory requirements. Fit4License will also assist advisers who wish to be licensed in their own right.

Aligned with this initiative is Kepa’s development of a bespoke client relationship management system to assist members with compliance with regulatory and best practice standards.

A new partnership model, through which Kepa invests and partners in key advisers and adviser groups, is gaining traction. Through the programme the company is helping advisers lift governance standards, enhance strategy and equip them to build a sustainable long-term business.

Kepa is also expanding with a general insurance offer. It has established a new company, Kepa General Insurance, which is a member of PSC Connect and the Steadfast Group. This company will ensure those members that currently do not have an association with a general insurance broker, can meet their clients’ general insurance needs.

“Kepa is entering a new phase of growth. We are strongly positioned to make the most of the significant changes we see in the industry and we are confident and excited about our prospects,” Johnstone said.

Tags: Jeff Page Kepa