Heron Partnership Expands into Sydney

New superannuation consultancy, The Heron Partnership, established by former NSP Buck deputy chief executive Chris Butler (pictured) two months ago, has opened an office in Sydney and appointed David Quinn-Watson as the group's first Sydney-based consultant.

Heron, primarily Melbourne based, was formed when Butler branched out with two other former NSP Buck executives, John Smith and Wendy Barton.

"This has actually happened a little bit earlier than expected but because of the response we had here in Melbourne we're pretty confident we'll get the same response in Sydney," Butler said. Quinn- Watson joins the group as senior actuary and client director for NSW and is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia.

The group eventually hopes to boost consultants to between 15 and 20 over the next few years with five to six of those based in Sydney. "We expect to have further people ... Our intention is to grow up the east coast," Butler said.

The appointment of a Sydney consultant was hurried along by current meaningful discussions the group is having with industry funds with national presence.

"We're still very active in the market ... It comes back to the same issue of independence," Butler said.