AZ Next Generation Advisory (AZ NGA) has announced the appointment of Jodie Blackledge as its new group Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Blackledge will report directly to the firm’s Group Chief Executive, Paul Barrett, as the company aims to accelerate its expansion.
With nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Blackledge brings a wealth of expertise to her role. She previously served as the CEO of Fitzpatrick’s Financial Group for over six years, and has held CFO roles at AUB Group and The Trust Company.
Barrett emphasized the critical role Blackledge will play in the company’s growth strategy. “We are extremely fortunate to have Jodie join AZ NGA at this important time for the business, as we focus on accelerating growth, expanding our range of services and achieving our ambitious goals and targets,” Barrett said.
“She will be working closely with me and the executive team to leverage our commercial finance capabilities and drive sustainable value for employees, clients and shareholders,” he added.
Blackledge, who has witnessed significant changes in the financial advice sector, expressed enthusiasm about joining AZ NGA as the firm prepares for its future. “AZ NGA, in partnership with quality accounting and advice businesses, is investing in the future of the sector, and I’m excited to be part of that and make a meaningful contribution going forward,” she said. “The investment AZ NGA is making in the industry will shape the future of advice for the next generation of advisers and clients.”
This leadership change comes shortly after Oaktree Capital Management’s $240 million investment in December, which made it AZ NGA’s largest shareholder. AZ NGA’s CEO, Paul Barrett, highlighted the firm’s ambitious goals to triple its size in the next three to five years, aiming for growth through both mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and organic expansion.
“Our focus in the next 12 months is on accelerating our Super firm program, increasing M&A activity, key transformation initiatives, and continuing to build a high-performance culture,” Barrett stated.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
