After a month of searching, the board of the Personal Finance Society (PFS) has decided to welcome Don MacIntyre (pictured) as its new interim chief executive officer starting this week.
The PFS CEO role was previously dissolved by the former CEO of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) in June 2021, but for PFS president Sarah Lord, it soon became “clear that the best way to represent member interest…is through the appointment of a full-time executive CEO role.”
During this interim period, MacIntyre will provide executive leadership for the remainder of 2022 as the professional body evolves its working practices and governance toward member interests and the positive reputation of the personal finance and financial planning profession.
In particular, MacIntyre is expected to deliver a successful AGM in September, guide the PFS in showcasing a world-class event at the Festival of Financial Planning in November and support the board in ensuring that the PFS continues to meet its purpose with the help of the CII.
MacIntyre was tapped for the temporary role following his recent success leading the UK Cyber Security Council, a self-regulating body for the UK’s cyber security profession.
Jonathan Clark, outgoing interim CEO of the CII, said MacIntyre’s entrance to the PFS is “welcomed and supported” by the CII board. The PFS is the longest-established of the CII’s societies, contributing 39,000 members to the institute.
“One of the key findings from our consultation was that members wanted continued collaboration between the CII and PFS boards and a new PFS leader within the group,” Clark said. “We look forward to closer collective engagement, so we have a united understanding of the challenges the professions face.
“The PFS is an absolutely critical part of what we do – its strong membership is highly valued and is a great voice for advice, especially at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is impacting even the most resilient among us.”
In the background, MacIntyre will also work with the board and an executive search consultancy to secure and transition a permanent CEO into office by early 2023.
“The PFS is a professional body that continues to grow and evolve, to support members’ ability and professionalism in providing financial advice and planning services to clients,” MacIntrye said. “Maintaining public confidence and a laser focus on members’ interests and the means by which the PFS can meet their needs, efficiently, effectively, and consistently will be a significant part of my work in the coming months.
“The financial planning profession has an important role to play in an increasingly challenging economy and I look forward to helping further its ability to do so.”
