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Mortgage Choice's new chief executive has revealed that he first held discussions about succeeding Michael Russell in 2011.
John Flavell, who is currently serving as MLC's executive general manager of wealth advice, will join Mortgage Choice on 7 April, it was announced yesterday.
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Mr Flavell told The Adviser that he had dreamed of running Mortgage Choice even before Mr Russell announced his resignation last month.
"I've been keen on this role for many, many years and I spoke to Michael Russell about being his successor over three years ago," Mr Flavell said.
"The reason I've been keen on it is that I love the industry, I know the Mortgage Choice business very well, and I was very confident then and am even more confident now that I can make a wonderful contribution."
Mr Flavell will work alongside Mr Russell in a transition phase until Mr Russell leaves Mortgage Choice at the end of this financial year.
"I daresay Michael and I will be very busy getting out across the franchise network, meeting with our business partners and all the employees over the initial weeks and months," he said.
"I think Michael and I will work incredibly well together and that will put me in a wonderful position to maintain the drive and momentum that the business has got."
Mr Flavell said he had accumulated deep industry knowledge over the years, during which he has held executive roles at Aussie Home Loans, RAMS and NAB Broker.
He said his wealth experience would also be of value to Mortgage Choice, which has diversified into financial planning during Mr Russell's tenure.
Mr Flavell told The Adviser that Mortgage Choice could capitalise on Australia's superannuation system, which he said is forecast to grow by a compounded rate of 9.5 per cent per annum.
"If Mortgage Choice takes the same principles and approach to meeting consumers' needs in that space as they've done on the mortgage side – and that's about saying impartial, professional advice delivers great outcomes for customers – then the growth opportunity there is immense," he said.
[Related: Mortgage Choice posts record net profit]
