The new Chairwoman of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), Kathryn Greiner, is the first person unrelated to the industry to hold the position. Current Chairman Steve Helmich will step down after serving two consecutive one-year terms.

Ms Greiner will take on the position at the AGM on November 30. Mr Helmich said Ms Greiner’s combined corporate and not-for-profit experience, and her qualities as a communicator, make her ideally suited to lead the FPA forward.

“She comes from outside the financial services sector and her non-alignment underscores the importance the board places on ensuring member interests are in line with community expectations.”

FPA members will soon submit nominations to fill four board vacancies. Voting by ballot will take place between September 22 and October 20.