Professional IQ farewells its chief executive

He's retired once before but this time he'll close the book on his career.

Monday, July 5th 2021, 12:03PM

by Matthew Martin

On Friday, The Brit Bar in Auckland hosted Rod Severn and his friends and colleagues, marking Severn's retirement as he steps back from running Professional IQ College.

Severn will continue working in the background as the college prepares to hand over to his replacement, who will be announced in the coming weeks.

Severn spent 30 years in the IT sector holding senior positions in New Zealand and Australia.

He first enjoyed retired life in 2012, but this was to be short-lived when in 2014 he joined the financial advice sector after being approached to take on the interim chief executive role at the Professional Advisers Association, which was being run by its board at the time.

“Three months – that was the initial contract," Severn says.

"But once I had met some advisers and understood the role of the sector and what it could help to achieve for New Zealand, well, staying retired just wasn’t an option anymore.

"And what a seven-and-a-half years it has been."

As chief executive of the PAA, Severn played a key role in working with the IFA to form a new adviser association, Financial Advice New Zealand, which took up its advice advocacy mantle in 2018.

From there, in January 2019, Severn took on a dual role as general manager of the Insurance Brokers Association of NZ and chief executive of Professional IQ College.

For the past two years, Severn and his team at PIQ have been focused on supporting advisers through their Level 5 qualifications and building new professional development opportunities for the profession.

“An unexpected second act for my career, making my contribution to the development of the financial advice profession has been a real privilege," he says.

"Aside from the obviously rewarding work, I have been fortunate to meet and spend my days with many dedicated people doing their bit to
help more Kiwis benefit from what advisers have to offer.”

Severn says his retirement will be filled with building projects, plans for community work and grandkids he’s looking forward to spending more time with.

"And let’s not forget the fishing.

“I’ve loved every minute working in the financial advice sector and there are many people that deserve credit.

"My thanks for the very enjoyable experience. To all the advisers and brokers I have had the great fortune to meet over the last seven years - thank you.

"I hope in some small way I have been able to help you.”

Tags: Professional IQ retirement Rod Severn