Life insurance industry stalwart Gerry Porter died late last month.

His long career in the industry included being the agency developmental manager for insurers Prudential and Colonial, and Queensland state sales manager for Friends Provident.

Mr Porter was a life member of the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and sat on the board from 2003-08. He was Queensland state director for six years in the early 2000s.

AFA VP Michael Nowak says Mr Porter brought the Genxt career pathway concept to the association.

“He was regarded as the godfather of Genxt,” Mr Nowak said. “His vision has been a game-changer for the AFA and has seen a new wave of advisers and leaders emerge.”  

Mr Nowak says Mr Porter was well liked and respected in the advice community.

“He was a humble, grassroots leader who embodied the culture and spirit of the AFA,” he said. “He never sought the limelight, rather rolled up his sleeves and took pride in representing AFA members and building the AFA community.”

Mr Porter was also Queensland state manager for Synchron for almost 10 years, having joined the dealer group in 2000.

Synchron director Don Trapnell says when Mr Porter retired last year, he had built the group’s presence in Queensland from 21 advisers to 119.

“Always quick with a smile and ready to give an anecdote about the old days, Mr Porter could readily be described as one of the lovable characters of our industry,” Mr Trapnell said.

“With his passing, Synchron has, very sadly, lost one of its own.”

Mr Porter leaves his wife Shirley and two daughters, Gail and Leanne.