New chair steps up after more than a decade of volunteering with the advisors' association
Advocis has named Arun Channan chair of its board of directors for 2026, the association announced on July 6, putting a longtime volunteer and management consultant at the head of the group that represents Canadian financial advisors.
Channan has been a member of Advocis, formally The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, since 2015 and has volunteered with the organization for more than a decade, according to the association.
He previously served as president of the Simcoe-Muskoka Chapter, as advocacy liaison for the Ontario Central Region, and most recently as a director at large on the board of The Financial Advisors Association of Canada (TFAAC).
Outside the association, he works as a management consultant with myndwerx, advising executive teams on strategy, operations, marketing, and talent.
In the announcement, Channan said financial advisors and planners "are working in an increasingly complex regulatory and business environment, and Advocis has an important role to play on their behalf."
He said he looked forward to working with the board, chapters, staff, and president and chief executive officer Kelly Gorman to support members and advance the profession.
Gorman said Channan brings strategic leadership and governance experience to the role, and pointed to his record of service with the association.
Advocis also credited the incoming chair with a strong understanding of member issues, according to the release.
Three newly elected directors join the board: Michael Camacho, Catherine Hiscott, and Wai-Ke Kim.
The association said the three add leadership and professional expertise as it continues to pursue its strategic priorities.
Five returning directors provide continuity for the year ahead, as per the announcement: Tannis Dawson, Kelly Ho, Chris Hudson, Curtis Kimpton, and Tina Tehranchian.
Three directors are completing their terms: Al Jones, Sara La Gamba, and Ejaz Nadeem.
Channan takes over the chair from Kimpton, who led the board over the past year and remains a director.
Gorman thanked Kimpton for his service and recognized the contributions of the departing directors, the association said.
