Former Triton director and former Advantage chairman Steven Freudmann is considering leaving Advantage following its decision to leave the Triton group.
He said he was hugely disappointed with the Advantage Board’s decision to go it alone and believed it was not in the best interest of members.
“I think that Triton offered a tremendous opportunity for the independent sector to develop a voice and an independent presence for the industry. That major opportunity has now been lost.
“I fail to see how the circumstances that gave rise to the birth of Triton four years have changed dramatically, particularly now that the sector is having a tough time.
“Agents are struggling to make a living and the decision of Advantage is a retrograde step, so much so that I am considering my position as an Advantage member.â€
Freudmann, a founder member of Advantage 25 years ago and chairman until last month, said he was sure other Advantage agents would be considering quitting the group.
He said he was concerned that major decisions had been made by the Advantage Board without first being put to members.
“There have been a number of major decisions over the last six months where the members should have been consulted, and I don’t mean with an informal chat, I mean with a formal ballot.â€
According to Freudmann, over 80% of Advantage members are actively selling Triton products.
“These products were invested in by Global but they were supported at their launch by all Triton partners. Now suddenly to turn around and say they are not is just bizarre.â€
By Bev Fearis
