New Head strengthens FPI's transition to financial services company

Blick joined FPI in late 2005 and has successfully transitioned the Group into consulting and legal services, private equity and trade finance. These initiatives have helped to double FPI's revenue in one year and mark a pivotal point in the Group's successful evolution. In his new role, Blick will be responsible for the overall day-to-day management of FPI and will continue to serve as a Director.

"Jason taking up the reins as CEO at this time ties in with FPI's anticipated dramatic growth. His experience will strengthen the Group's position as a financial services company in the fast growing financial planning markets across Asia," says FPI Chairman Sean Kelleher, who
previously also held the CEO position but is now focusing on corporate governance and strategy.

"Within our Middle East/Asia-Pacific footprint, we are witnessing fundamental changes: the fastest growing middle class; increasing pursuit of the petro-dollar; and the changing flow of world commodities. And that is just the tip of the iceberg," says Kelleher.

To exploit these changes, for the benefit both of clients and the FPI brand, the company recognised that core financial planning and wealth management skills needed to be complemented with legal, tax and corporate services skills.

This multi-disciplined skill set is much more likely to provide the broader range of solutions the modernising region needs. Says Kelleher: "Bringing in a leading lawyer as CEO demonstrates our intention to service this changing world with a modernised multi-disciplinary practice."

Prior to joining FPI, Blick was a partner at a leading international law firm and has held senior positions in two Fortune 500 companies. Blick is admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales, and was previously FPI's General Counsel. He graduated from Leeds University, College of Law and attended Wolfson College, Cambridge University. He holds degrees in Engineering and Law and is also qualified with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Institute of Directors and the Institute of Chartered Accountants (Corporate Finance).