In announcing Robert Coulter’s appointment to the post, AFA chief executive Philip Kewin said he comes with extensive experience in financial services where, more recently, he was head of corporate development at IPAC Securities and prior to that, head of employer superannuation sales at OnePath (formerly ING).
“Rob will be responsible for driving the AFA Partnerships strategy in order to develop strategic relationships that add value to member engagement and maximise the resources and expertise of our partner relationships,” Mr Kewin said.
“Rob will be a tremendous addition to the team, bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise that will ensure we continue to build our member proposition whilst enhancing our relationship and engagement with key stakeholders.”
Mr Coulter will start with the AFA on 15 July 2019.




Congratulations Rob. Having seen you present at the AMP AGM, and understanding your previous role leading an advice business, it is clear you understand the financial advice industry, and the challenges advisers face over the next few years. A refreshing addition to the AFA team.
[quote=Trendsetter]He’s the snazzy dresser that this industry needs[/quote][quote=Trendsetter]He’s the snazzy dresser that this industry needs[/quote]
probably wearing a cheap half canvas suit from m.j.bale and tw steel watch and loake shoes.
talk to me if you have a rolex president gold watch, custom suit ($6k and over) and John Lobb shoes only. now that’s classy.
the biggest trouble with financial planning is too many people in cheap shoes, and suits.
Rob is a great man and will serve the AFA well. If he can MC two AMP AGM’s in a row, he can handle a few internet trolls with clearly nothing better to do. Much like the FPA & now Adviser Ratings, corporate partnerships keep these associations afloat.
Ok, lets have a look at his LinkedIn profile then;
– Joining AFA after 8 years at AMP (ipac). Fantastic!
– No advice experience and not on the FAR. Which means he won’t have to sit the national exam.
– No business degree and no FP qualifications. Holds a Certificate in “Practise Management” (actual spelling). Nice one.
– Profile does not even show that he is a member of AFA?
Pretty much what I expected before I even checked. This guy is a “relationship manager”.
So, if you would like the horrible past to be the same as the future, just keep on hiring people to lead Advisers who have no actual idea about advice and who are not subject to the same pressures and requirements that Advisers are.
Well done. Oh, and he’s from Sydney of course, likes wine and barracking for GSW!
First question AFA – who/what are our strategic partners/relationships? (Are they insurers and fund managers, plus perhaps Kaplan, who sponsor the AFA and act as the tail wagging the dog?)Second question-why does the AFA need to pay yet another significant salary for non-core business activities?. Third – what are the direct member benefits? ( If this job is to “duchess” insurers, the people who welcomed LIF and now fund ( CBA & Macquarie) FARCIA, then the AFA Board should resign now
He’s the snazzy dresser that this industry needs
Sorry Rob, but you are part of the problem. With all due respect, the industry doesn’t need rehashed, ex mid and senior management and directors from large corporates (or government) telling us what needs to be done to sort the industry out or advocating on our behalf. Have a look at the absolute mess that has occurred under your watch. We need fresh blood preferably from outside of the industry to take us forward.
“Rob will be responsible for driving the AFA Partnerships strategy in order to develop strategic relationships that add value to member engagement and maximise the resources and expertise of our partner relationships,”.
What a load of corporate claptrap. Speak english Phil!