The company has announced that Brett Spork and Peter Beaumont will step down and be replaced by Dr Michael Kollo, Susan Wynne and Ronni Chalmers, with all changes to take effect immediately.
The move comes only a little over a month after former Clime director Neil Schafer was voted off the board by shareholders.
Two of Clime’s four board members were in favour of the move, including current chair John Abernethy, who remains chairman.
Mr Abernethy said the changes will represent an expansion of Clime’s directorship and focus on growth and that the new additions will bring a range of skills to the board across governance, risk and corporate affairs.
“I would like to thank Brett Spork and Peter Beaumont for their contribution to Clime, and wish them the best in their future endeavours,” he said.
“Dr Kollo, Ms Wynne and Mr Chalmers bring decades of corporate experience at a time when we are focused on offering a fresh and progressive financial services offering to our clients, and delivering value for our shareholders.”
The news follows the abrupt departure of Rod Bristow as chief executive of Clime in November last year after two years in the role, and the resignations of former chairman Donald McLay and director Allyn Chant in October 2020.
The group had also acquired advice licensee Madison Financial Group from OneVue in October last year, with former Madison head Annick Donat recently ascending to the role of Clime CEO.
Mr Schafer’s removal was met with controversy internally, with a letter issued to shareholders about the resolution to vote him out in early August.
Mr Schafer said the shareholder who had made the resolution, Locope Pty Limited, was “an entity whose corporate officers included” Clime portfolio manager Ronni Chalmers.
“I was first made aware that Ronni Chalmers was seeking my removal via his email to me, without any prior discussion from him,” Mr Schafer said.
“When this occurred, I was shocked for a number of reasons. I have served diligently as an independent director on the board since January 2011. During this period, I have strived at all times to add value to the company and its shareholders by pursuing ethical and effective corporate governance.”
