According to Padua, Esler “will represent Padua across key industry and community initiatives as the company continues to expand the reach and influence of its end-to-end Advice Generation Platform”.
As part of the appointment, Esler will also assume the role of company secretary, supporting Padua’s ongoing engagement with shareholders and investors. She will step down from her current co-CEO position on 31 December 2025.
Esler co-founded Padua Solutions with her brother Matthew Esler in 2013. Since then, the company has grown to nearly 90 employees across two offices, “servicing over 100 advice firms and representing an increasingly meaningful share of the adviser market”.
In 2025, Padua successfully completed its third capital raise and finalised the acquisitions of Wealth Data and Wealth X.
“These investments, together with Padua’s continued progress in AI-enabled automation, further strengthen its position as a leader in technology-driven advice production,” the company said.
Reflecting on her transition, Ms Esler said her new role will allow her to focus more deeply on representing Padua within the industry and broader community, while continuing to support the company’s governance and investor relations.
“I am confident the business’s growth trajectory will remain strong. I look forward to continuing to represent Padua at conferences, industry events, university collaborations and as sponsor of the Women in Wealth Awards, as well as championing the role of women in financial services more broadly,” she stated.
Padua chair, Peter O’Connell, added: “Anne-Marie and Matthew have built Padua into the strong business it is today. Anne-Marie’s continuing role on the board ensures she remains a key adviser to the company, with a particular focus on industry and community engagement – areas the board recognises as critical to Padua’s ongoing success.”
From 1 January 2026, Matthew Esler will assume the position of managing director and CEO.
Other recent appointments at Padua include a June poaching of former Colonial First State senior manager Dimitri Diamantes, who was appointed as senior technical services manager.
“As a trusted technical expert in the financial services industry, Dimitri’s appointment reinforces Padua’s commitment to being a thought leader in the advice landscape and enhances our credibility with licensees, advisers and regulators,” Matt Esler said at the time.
“Dimitri will play a pivotal role in ensuring Padua’s software continues to reflect the latest legislative changes, best practice strategy formulation and adviser feedback – linking the needs of the field with the power of our platform.”
