Paul Smee to leave AIFA

Paul Smee, director general of the AIFA, has this morning announced he is stepping down and leaving the trade body in December.

After five years at the Association of IFAs, Smee is leaving in December to take on the role of chief executive at APACS.

At this early stage, no decision has yet been made about his potential replacement, says Smee, but having been at the trade body since its inception in 1999, Smee says after five hectic years, he felt was presented with an offer which was "too good to refuse".

John Gummer MP and chairman of AIFA, has praised Smee's work and dedication to the IFA industry during a period of significant reform and turbulence.

"The IFA industry is in Paul Smee's debt. He has fought the IFA corner tirelessly and has earned AIFA the reputation of a representative body which punches well above its weight.

"I know that I speak on behalf of all the AIFA Council members and staff when I say that we are very sorry to see Paul leave. He is a leading industry figure and a key contributor to debates on all issues affecting IFAs both at home and in Europe.

"He will be a huge loss to the industry and will be greatly missed. We wish him well in his new post as chief executive of APACS."

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