Stokes appointed as media manager at FIA

According to Justus van Pletzen, CEO at the FIA, Stokes brings valuable experience in the writing and communications field. "His extensive knowledge of the financial services industry, gained over seven years as the contributing online editor of South Africa's financial advisory magazine FAnews, will be a valuable asset to the organisation's overall communications strategy."

His holistic understanding of the financial services sector as a result of his many interactions with financial intermediaries, industry representative bodies, regulators, product providers, public relations agencies and the media, will provide a solid foundation for the FIA's broader communications plans, says van Pletzen.

Stokes says he believes strongly in the value of independent financial advice. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to consolidate and improve on communications between the FIA and its various stakeholders. It will be an honour to promote both the FIA brand and the value of advice as we progress along the path to industry-wide professionalism."

The FIA also announced that Clive Franks is retiring as communications manager of the FIA. Franks will, however, continue in his role as the editor of the FIA INSIGHT magazine.