Privately owned licensee appoints new CEO

In a statement, Fitzpatricks Group said it has appointed Jodie Blackledge to the role of chief executive, replacing the firm’s co-founder John Woodley.

Ms Blackledge had been Fitzpatricks’ chief operating officer and chief financial officer since 2018, and had held previous roles at The Trust Company and insurance broking firm AUB Group.

Mr Woodley said he would move into an executive chairman position at Fitzpatricks after 20 years leading the firm.

“Jodie’s leadership of the business on a day-to-day basis will allow me to take on a new role as executive chairman, a position that enables me to focus more time on mentoring lead advisers,” he said.

“Helping advisers build great business that tangibly enriches the lives of clients is at the heart of what we do, and we are well-positioned to best deliver value-driven advice to clients through our client-centric, goals-based advice model.

“I am excited to take on this new role and confident I leave the group CEO role in the very capable hands of Jodie, who will help build the next part of our journey as a national advisory and wealth firm.”

Ms Blackledge said a key focus as she assumed the new role would be to encourage more female advisers to join Fitzpatricks.

“I am delighted to have been appointed as the new CEO of the group and I am looking forward to shaping the future for our firm as the role of high-quality, client-centric advice becomes ever more vital,” she said.

“I look forward to building our national presence and our lead adviser cohort, but also continuing our commitment in providing a high-level of support and mentoring to women by actively encouraging the growth of female professionals within the group and beyond.”