Mortgage Choice appoints chief advice officer

Mortgage Choice has appointed former Hillross Financial Services managing director Dean Thomas as its new chief advice officer. 

Mr Thomas’ appointment, which commenced on 7 November, follows the departure of Tania Milnes.

Mr Thomas has more than 30 years of experience in financial services, having held senior management roles in banking, superannuation, investment and wealth management.

As managing director of Hillross, Mr Thomas was responsible for the day-to-day management and strategic direction of the dealer group and its 140 advice firms and 300 advisers.

He was previously director, product strategy and services, at AMP and was responsible for the strategy and investment governance for the insurance and platforms business.     

Mortgage Choice CEO Susan Mitchell welcomed Mr Thomas, saying he would be a valuable addition to the company’s executive leadership team.

“Financial planning is a vital part of Mortgage Choice’s future, and I look forward to seeing Dean take the business into its next chapter of growth,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Dean’s experience in strategic direction and business transformation will play a vital role in leading our financial planning division. His wealth of experience will strengthen our ability to navigate the current industry challenges and position Mortgage Choice financial planning for long-term growth.”

Speaking of his new appointment, Mr Thomas said: “I am thrilled to be joining Mortgage Choice and look forward to leading the financial planning division into its next phase.”

Noting that Ms Milnes has “made the decision to take the next step in her career outside of Mortgage Choice”, Ms Mitchell thanked Ms Milnes for her contribution to the broking brand.

“Tania was instrumental in leading Mortgage Choice Financial Planning since its foundation in 2012 and has led the business to reach a significant milestone of $1 billion in funds under advice,” Ms Mitchell said.

[Related: Mortgage Choice seeks to grow advice network]