Bell Direct today announced the appointment of Arnie Selvarajah as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Selvarajah, who takes on his new role today, has almost 25 years' experience in both the financial services and fast-moving consumer goods sectors, during which time he has held senior positions in finance, sales, strategy and general management.
Most recently, he was with the Commonwealth Bank, where he headed local business banking in NSW and the ACT and prior to that he was Executive Manager at CommSec with responsibility for the overall operations of the retail share broking business. He was previously also at Bankers Trust where in 1998 he was involved with the development and launch of the BT Wrap platform. Colin Bell, the Executive Chairman of Bell Financial Group, which holds a 25% stake in Bell Direct, described Selvarajah's appointment as an exciting and very significant moment in the company's development.
"Arnie is a hugely talented executive who will bring to the CEO role at Bell Direct a wealth of knowledge that will help expand the company's capabilities and growth following its very successful launch in November last year. We're delighted he has come on board," Bell said.
Commenting on his appointment, Selvarajah said he was excited to be joining one of the most dynamic new brands in the equities and wealth creation arena at a time when Bell Direct was serving up a real challenge to the older, established players in the online share trading market.
"I was impressed with the Bell Direct offering and in particular its level of innovation and focus on a higher level of customer service. The competitive pricing that has been introduced into this market place is a reflection of a new standard in technology excellence which is exciting for investors." Selvarajah said.
"My priorities for the business will be to build on the solid foundations already in place to make Bell Direct the most compelling choice for investors in the share market. We will also continue to bring uniquely innovative products and services into the online trading sector."
With a formidable breadth of experience across marketing, distribution and business development, Selvarajah would ensure that Bell Direct's competitive edge would become even sharper against its bigger rivals, according to Bell Direct Executive Chairman, Steven Goh.
"As an innovator by nature and track record, Arnie possesses exactly the type of skills Bell Direct needs to take our marketing, sales and business development to the next level, and it's fantastic that he is joining our dynamic team," Goh said. Selvarajah takes on responsibility for the operations of Bell Direct and as well as overseeing its ongoing strategic development.