[Obituary] Fred Dodds

• Tweet

The financial planning community has lost a true legend.

Monday, November 9th 2020, 9:00AM 11 Comments

by Philip Macalister

Fred Dodds passed away today.

Not many people knew Fred was battling cancer. But that is what Fred was like.

One of the many loveable things about Fred was his humour. Decades ago he was involved in industry debates and I still remember them because of Fred. More recently when he accepted his Financial Advice New Zealand Outstanding Contribution to the Industry award he gave a wonderful, off the cuff, hilarious speech. [You can watch the video below.]

As a Dad I loved to see how he publicly showed true affection for his daughter, Toni. I know he was very proud that Toni worked in the same industry as him and, like Fred, she is determined to help lift professional standards.

Fred was passionate about financial planning and understood the many issues. Often he would hit me up with some questions seeking my thoughts. One of the more recent was returning on a bus from some conference dinner in Christchurch. He asked me about the IFA and PAA getting together. Little did I know at the time things were progressing on what was to be Financial Advice New Zealand.

It was a good discussion we had. Looking back Fred had the bit between his teeth on this one and he, along with others, succeeded.

Fred joined the industry in 1977 working for the likes of Prudential and Tower.

[Obit continues below]

As an adviser manager Fred recruited, trained and supervised many successful advisers over the years – he was highly respected within the profession.

Besides his roles within companies, Fred made massive contributions to the various adviser organisations over the years; including the Life Underwriters Association, International Association for Financial Planning, Insurance and Investment Advisers Association, Financial Planning Association and Institute of Financial Advisers. His commitment to these organisations demonstrates his passion to give back to the industry.

This was also summed up in his nomination for the outstanding contribution to the industry award:

"It is his passion that sets him apart from the crowd."

"His passion for the profession, his ability to encourage others to achieve and become part of the story is outstanding, whether it be personal phone calls to discuss what is going on, to addressing meetings to obtain advisers' thoughts and issues. It is this inclusiveness that sets him apart."

"His passion shone through as the realisation that a new combined body was required for institutes and associations."

"He cajoled, annoyed and helped corral the three associations form what has become Financial Advice New Zealand."

In his leadership role, as the chief executive of the Institute of Financial Advisers, he was instrumental in forming the sector engagement group, presenting a united voice of stakeholders to regulators and officials.

Fred took on this role at a time when the industry was in a state of turmoil given the GFC and subsequent regulation creating uncertainty for advisers. This translated into membership declines across all associations and institutes as members questioned the effectiveness and validity of their associations. Fred’s willingness to step up and engage with members and act as their advocate with authorities was beneficial in retaining members, he was constantly available to members and local committees to assist wherever needed, purely for the good of the profession.

It is this passion that set Fred apart, so much so that as chief executive he performed the role at a significantly reduced salary.

A number of years ago we interviewed Fred about his time in the industry. You can read it here: GETTING TO KNOW FRED DODDS

Fred's funeral will be held on Friday 13th Nov – 11am
Waikanae Funeral Home, 17 Parata St, Waikanae 5250

In lieu of flowers you can make donations to the Wellington Free Ambulance

Tags: Obituaries

Comments from our readers

Sign In to add your comment