Announcement
Stanford Brown Announces Planned Board Chair Transition
2 February 2026
Stanford Brown today announced a planned leadership transition at Board level, reflecting the firm’s strong governance, continuity of leadership and long-term stewardship.
After many decades as Chair, David Brown, Founder of Stanford Brown, stepped down from the role effective 1 February 2026. This transition has been thoughtfully planned and reflects David’s confidence in the strength of the firm, its leadership and its future direction.
David continues his long-standing involvement with Stanford Brown as a major shareholder and Board Director and remains an active contributor to the firm’s long-term growth, culture and client focus. His legacy as Founder and Chair has been instrumental in shaping Stanford Brown into the business it is today.
The Board has appointed Murray Coble as Independent Chair. Murray’s appointment supports continuity, strong governance and Stanford Brown’s ongoing focus on exceptional client outcomes, a strong culture and responsible long-term stewardship.
David Brown, Founder and Executive Director, said:
“Having enjoyed many wonderful decades at Stanford Brown, it is now a fitting and appropriate time to step down as Chair.
I am extremely proud of what our team has achieved together and remain strongly confident in the firm’s future. The business is in excellent shape and is capably led by Vincent O’Neill, who has served as Chief Executive Officer for more than five years.
I am delighted that Murray Coble will succeed me as Chair. Murray has had a distinguished career in wealth management and is a highly respected leader with deep industry experience. I am confident he will continue to guide Stanford Brown with great care, clarity and integrity.
I thank the Board, management and colleagues for their support during my time as Chair, and I look forward to playing my role assisting Stanford Brown with continued success in the years ahead.”
Murray Coble, Independent Chair, said:
“On behalf of the Board, I thank David for his vision and passion in building an industry‑leading firm, fostering a deeply client‑focused culture, and developing an outstanding leadership team and broader organisation.
Having served on the Board for the past three years, I am honoured to take on the role of Chair and look forward to working closely with the Board, management and shareholders to support Stanford Brown’s continued growth and strong client focus.”
Vincent O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer, said:
“Since founding the business, David has instilled values, standards and a way of thinking about clients and people that will remain central to Stanford Brown’s vision. His imprint on the firm is enduring.
Over the past three years, Murray’s consistency, sound judgement and long‑term perspective have been invaluable, and the business will continue to benefit greatly from his guidance as Stanford Brown enters its next chapter.”
This transition reflects the depth of Stanford Brown’s leadership, the strength of its governance framework and its long‑term vision. The Board, management and broader team remain firmly focused on delivering exceptional outcomes for clients, while preserving the values, care and standards that have defined the firm since its founding.
Stanford Brown Board
Murray Coble, Independent Chair
Andrew Rutherford, Non‑Executive Director
David Brown, Executive Director
Hamish Harvey, Executive Director
Vincent O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer
About Murray Coble
Murray Coble brings more than 40 years of experience across financial services in Australia, Asia and Europe, including over 20 years as Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific, at Schroders plc. He is widely respected for his leadership, operational expertise and strong commitment to clients, and is exceptionally well placed to guide Stanford Brown through its next phase of growth.
About Andrew Rutherford
Andrew Rutherford is an accredited CPA with a 37‑year career spanning senior leadership roles across finance and accounting. His experience includes founding roles as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Koda Capital, General Manager of NAB MLC’s wealth division, and Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Goldman Sachs Australia’s wealth division.