The NZ Institute of Financial Advisers (IFA) has appointed Penny Mudford as its new CEO.

She replaces Peter Lee, who left in July to take up a senior role at OnePath.

IFA Chairman Tony Vidler says Ms Mudford has a strong background in professional standards, ethics, and professional conduct.

“She is a highly respected professional in her own right as a Fellow of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand,” he said.

“Ms Mudford is an experienced dispute resolution practitioner, has sat on registration boards and disciplinary tribunals for a variety of professions and has extensive experience in establishing and maintaining professional standards.”

Mr Vidler says she will “maintain a constant balance” between assisting members who are voluntarily adopting higher standards than the wider industry and enhancing the business operations of the IFA.

Ms Mudford joins the Wellington-based organisation later this month.