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The MFAA will begin its search for a new chief executive after its next board meeting, with lobbying skills set to be one of the key criteria.
President Tim Brown said the board would discuss its plan for the next five to 10 years at the July 30 meeting and would then start searching for a candidate to implement this vision.
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The current chief executive, Phil Naylor, announced earlier this month that he would resign on December 24 after 12 years in the job.
Mr Brown told The Adviser that several industry figures had expressed interest in replacing Mr Naylor, although no names were disclosed.
He added that the board was focused on finding the best candidate, whether that was someone from within the industry or an outsider.
“Exposure to government in either lobbying or negotiating on behalf on an industry would be an advantage, and also strong leadership,” Mr Brown said.
Mr Naylor told The Adviser that he would not participate in the search for his replacement, although he would be happy to offer input if required.
He forecast that the first big challenge for the new chief executive would be to lobby the federal government on the recommendations that will emerge from the Financial System Inquiry.
Mr Naylor, who previously spent six years as chief executive of the Australian Retailers Association, said successful lobbying was achieved through building strong back-channel relationships rather than publically criticising governments.
He added that he believed his main achievement at the MFAA had been to achieve regulatory results that were good for brokers while also being protective of consumers.
Mr Naylor said the association was now more influential than when he joined after growing from 2,200 members and three or four staff to 10,300 members and 21 staff.
“I think I’ve done a good job despite what some of the bloggers have said,” he told The Adviser.
Mr Naylor said he had not yet decided on his next job although it was likely to be with an association.
