The Association of Professional Financial Advisers (APFA) has today announced that Chris Hannant, currently the outfit’s policy director, has been appointed director-general.

Hannant, who joined APFA in January 2012, has overseen internal changes including the rebrand from AIFA, and led its engagement with the regulator through the implementation of the Retail Distribution Review and the transition to the FCA.

The Rt Hon. John Gummer, Lord Deben, chairman of APFA, said: “Following our strategic review and rebrand, APFA is moving out of the recent transitional phase and, with real confidence in our future, we feel the time is right to appoint a new director-general.

“Chris was the clear choice for the role. Since he joined us he has led from the front on our efforts to support the industry through the launch of RDR, and to hold the regulator to account. His work so far has demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the issues facing advisers and a commitment to the sector. I’m delighted to welcome Chris into the role.”

Hannant added: “I’ve enjoyed a stimulating and challenging year and a half with APFA. We are determined to secure a better deal for advisers, in what is a tough economic and regulatory landscape.

“I look forward to building on the solid platform we have established and driving APFA forward in my new capacity as director-general.”