Former AMP financial planning executive Steve Helmich has been appointed Chairman of TAL-owned dealer group Affinia.

It comes as Marcus O’Sullivan becomes Head of Affinia, replacing Craig Parker, who is talking to TAL about “new opportunities”.

Mr O’Sullivan was previously Queensland state manager at TAL.

TAL Group CEO Brett Clark says the life insurer has “ambitious growth plans” over the next three years.

“The appointment of Mr Helmich to the Affinia board as Chairman is an important appointment for Affinia and will bring enormous depth and experience of financial advice,” he said.

“He has had an outstanding career in financial services and financial advice in particular, and will provide invaluable direction for Affinia, supporting our growth objectives.”

Mr Clark says this will prove particularly important during the transitions facing the life advice industry in the next eight months.

“We are committed to advisers and the important role high-quality financial advice has in the community,” he said.

Mr Helmich says during talks with TAL, he saw the opportunities at Affinia.

“It became clear to me early in the process that Mr Clark and his team are determined to see Affinia become one of the leading licensees in the advice profession,” he said. “This combination of putting clients first and being very adviser-focused had great appeal to me and made my decision to take on the role an easy one.”