The SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA) has made two key appointments to its executive team. Richard Hockney has been appointed General Manager, Corporate Development, and Joshua Geers is the Finance and Corporate Services Manager.
Both managers bring a breadth of experience and knowledge to their respective positions. Before taking this position with SPAA, Hockney was the State General Manager for South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory for Westpac, a position he held for four and a half years.
Before joining Westpac Hockney spent 22 years with the National Australia Bank, working in different roles in three states as well as the Yorkshire Bank in the United Kingdom as part of the bank’s International Development Program. He also spent one year as Dean of The Academy, the NAB’s business school.
A graduate with a Bachelor of Business from the University of South Australia, Hockney has also done an Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School.
Hockney, who also sits on several boards and consults, says his 27 years in banking provides a firm foundation for his new role with SPAA. “In my career I have always believed that success comes from focussing on people, customers, leadership, teamwork and strategy, and I fervently believe these same criteria can be applied to a professional association such as SPAA.
“I have been enormously impressed by the professionalism of both the organisation and the members, and believe the architecture is in place for SPAA to meet the growing demands of the SMSF sector.”
Geers, who joins SPAA with a Bachelor of Commerce from Adelaide University as well as being a Member of the Institute of Chartered accountants of Australia, spent eight years with Deloitte where his work spanned private and business clients in the SME space, offering tax and strategic planning advice. Clients ranged from retail to manufacturing, technology, film, hospitality, investment and government.
Geers says he excited to join SPAA at this stage in its development. “The SMSF sector is a growing industry, and I look forward to bringing my experience and expertise to help expand the critical role SPAA plays in it, particularly by helping develop new offerings for members.”
SPAA CEO Andrea Slattery says SPAA was fortunate to secure two professionals with impressive CVs to join its growing ranks. “Both Richard and Joshua bring important skill sets and experiences to SPAA that I am convinced will prove invaluable to the organisation.”
About SPAA
The SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA) is the authoritative voice for the self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) sector. SPAA, which represents professionals providing a range of services across various disciplines in the complex area of SMSFs, is an advocate for the highest professional standards and competence to ensure SMSF trustees always receive the best possible advice.