CountPlus Limited has announced the appointment of Hugh Humphrey as CEO and Laurent Toussaint’s promotion to Chief Financial and Operating Officer.

Humphrey’s appointment will lead the Company into its next growth stage and he will commence on 1 July 2022.

Mr Humphrey’s appointment will ensure that CountPlus is well-placed to continue its evolution into a significant financial services group with a strong focus on top-line revenue growth driven by organic and inorganic initiatives.

Chairman Ray Kellerman said: “Hugh’s experience across strategic growth, digital and transformation capabilities, along with his vision for the future of advice as well as leading teams across accounting and related services are key attributes the Board identified as critical for the Company’s ongoing success.”

Mr Kellerman also confirmed Mr Humphrey’s team leadership strengths and the elevation of Mr Toussaint demonstrates a commitment to building the existing leadership talent within CountPlus.

“Together with Laurent Toussaint’s operational strength, Hugh’s appointment creates a strong team dedicated to achieving our long-term goals,” Mr Kellerman said.

“During his twenty-plus-year career in financial services, Hugh has specialised in wealth management at leading firms including National Australia Bank, Commonwealth Bank, and AMP. The growth of CountPlus and its people will benefit from Hugh’s leadership and industry experience.”

As General Manager of NAB’s consumer bank across metropolitan NSW and emerging markets Mr. Humphrey was responsible for one hundred branches which included 600 people and 300,000 customers. He delivered positive business growth, substantial improvements, network transformation and digital migration.

As both General Manager and Executive General Manager at CBA Wealth Management Advice, he oversaw 1,200 people and $0.5 billion in revenue. He also led a substantial customer remediation program and delivered significant improvements in the business's ethics, education, and professionalism.

Mr Humphrey thanked the CountPlus Board for its confidence in his ability to lead the Company and harness its executive leadership group.

Mr Humphrey said: “Over the last several years, I have observed a rejuvenated CountPlus and Count Financial, and I feel privileged to join this strong company with a known culture of growth and professional excellence.

“I’m looking forward to getting started so that we can work to deliver positive client outcomes every day while also delivering returns for our shareholders,” he said.

Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Laurent Toussaint was also promoted by the Board to Chief Financial and Operating Officer responsible for the company’s financial and operational functions, in recognition of his exemplary work as interim CEO.

“On behalf of the Board and CountPlus, I congratulate Laurent Toussaint on his well-deserved promotion. We thank Laurent for his commitment as interim CEO over several months,” Kellerman said.

Mr Toussaint said: “I’m delighted to accept the expanded responsibilities of Chief Financial and Operating Officer as we work together to lead CountPlus into its next stage of development and growth.”