I am pleased to announce the appointments of Mr David Kent, Executive General Manager, Axiss Australia and Mr Les Owen, Group Chief Executive, AXA Asia-Pacific Holdings to the Financial Sector Advisory Council (FSAC). I am also pleased to announce the re-appointment of Mr David Murray, Managing Director, Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
The Council is a non-statutory body established in March 1998. It brings together a range of financial market participants to provide advice to the Government on policies to facilitate the growth of a strong and competitive financial sector. Members are appointed for two years in a personal capacity subject to their continued direct involvement in the financial sector.
Mr Kent, brings to the Council an international perspective of the Australian financial sector in his capacity as the new Executive General Manager of Axiss Australia and from his previous experience as a Senior Commissioner at the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade).
Mr Owen, brings to the Council considerable knowledge of the finance sector, particularly the life insurance industry, having held a number of senior positions in large UK life assurance companies prior to his current position.
I look forward to Mr Murray’s continued valuable contribution to the advice of the Council.
I would also like to extend my appreciation to Mr Paul Batchelor, former
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMP, Mr Les Hosking, former
Chief Executive Officer of Axiss Australia, and Mrs Patricia Cross, Chairman
of Qantas Superannuation, who have all stepped down from FSAC (in December
2002, June 2003 and September 2003 respectively). During their terms, Mr Batchelor,
Mr Hosking and Mrs Cross provided valuable contributions to the Council.