Vital Business Partners names chief executive

Vital Business Partners (VBP), part of AZ NGA's network, has appointed a new chief executive, replacing Nathan Jacobsen who joined the parent company as chief operating officer earlier this year but continued to oversee the management of VBP.

VBP has appointed former Godfrey Pembroke chief executive Mark Fisher to lead the group into its next phase of growth, effective June 1.

Prior to Godfrey Pembroke, Fisher was the managing director of Securitor, and held senior roles at BT Financial Group, Westpac and Macquarie Group previously.

As chief executive, Fisher will support the firm's adoption of new technology like automation and artificial intelligence (AI), improve cyber security and risk management, while scaling the business sustainably.

Welcoming the appointment, Jacobsen described Fisher as an experienced and dedicated leader.

"Mark is a highly respected leader with proven experience running successful businesses, driving growth initiatives and leading large teams through periods of change and disruption, and we are very excited to have him on board to take VBP forward," Jacobsen said.

"Over the past few years, VBP has expanded its services and offerings to advice, accounting and mortgage broking businesses, and opened new offices in Cagayan De Oro, in the Philippines. The business has ambitious plans to continue growing and delivering a broad range of outsourcing services to clients."

Fisher added that he looks forward to joining VBP.

"I'm excited to join VBP and grow the group's position as a leading specialist of outsourced services and solutions to financial advisers and accountants," Fisher said.

"VBP is also passionate about being a great place to work and providing career development opportunities for its people, which I strongly believe in."

VBP currently has around 300 clients and over 1500 team members, spread across offices in Sydney, Australia, and Cebu City and Cagayan De Oro in the Philippines.

The business provides a range of services including intelligent automation, paraplanning, administration support, and a range of business consulting services including business coaching, and practice management training and workshops.

Meanwhile, John Nantes has been appointed executive director of Godfrey Pembroke, succeeding Fisher. He brings over 30 years' experience across wealth and financial services, the firm said.