Gillian Larkins Appointed As Perpetual's Chief Financial Officer

Perpetual Limited (Perpetual) announced the appointment of Ms Gillian Larkins as the Group's new Chief Financial Officer. Ms Larkins is currently Perpetual's Group Executive Transformation Office and will assume the CFO role on 7 January 2013.

Ms Larkins will replace Roger Burrows, whose resignation was announced on 5 November 2012, and who will continue in a transition role until early February.

Perpetual's CEO and Managing Director Geoff Lloyd said given the external and internal executive search process, it is a testament to the quality and depth of the leadership team that the role was filled with an internal candidate. "It's terrific that the right candidate for the CFO role was already available within the company," he said.

"Since joining the company, Gillian has been instrumental in helping the Transformation Office move from the design to the delivery stage and ensuring we are on track to deliver on its objectives. The Transformation 2015 program is now well underway and making good progress. Given the importance of the CFO in the execution of the program, having someone in the role that is also intimately familiar with its various initiatives will be beneficial," Mr Lloyd noted.

Ms Larkins joined Perpetual in October 2012 from Westpac Institutional Bank, where she was Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director. Prior to that, Ms Larkins was Citigroup's Country CFO, Australia and New Zealand.

The Transformation 2015 program was announced by Perpetual in June 2012 and aims to simplify the company's corporate structure, refocus its operational activities, and capture new opportunities for growth.

Mr Angus Benbow, who has worked closely with Ms Larkins since her arrival, will assume responsibility for the Transformation Office, reporting directly to Mr Lloyd.

"On my appointment to the CEO role in February, I selected Angus to build and lead the specialist team involved in the design of the Transformation 2015 program.

With the program now in full delivery mode, he will ensure we continue the good progress already made," Mr Lloyd concluded.

About Perpetual

Perpetual is an independent financial services group operating in funds management, financial advisory and superannuation provider. Our origin as a trustee company, coupled with our strong track record of investment performance, has created our reputation as one of the strongest brands in financial services in Australia.