Senior Management
Paving the Way for
a Sustainable Tomorrow

Senior Management​

Our Senior Management team brings together a diverse set of professionals, each contributing unique strengths to drive our operations forward.

Together, they forge a dynamic leadership force that keeps our services aligned, ensuring we create exceptional experiences for our clients.

United by a shared goal, they foster an environment where excellence is a top priority, inspiring their teams to continuously innovate and deliver high-quality results.

Their commitment to collaboration and client-focused solutions empowers VBP to consistently exceed expectations and remain a trusted partner in the industry.

Adrian Ashton
Business Development Manager
Israel Ballena
Onboarding & Process Manager
Tara Grace Calalang
Head of People & Culture
Noralynd Cayanong
Technical & Quality Manager
Neriza Mae Dalanon
Head of Information Management Group
Rowell Guarte
Service Excellence Lead
Daniel Harrison
Product Development Manager (Accounting)
Kristine Jongko
Head of
Learning & Development
Chris Miller
Product Development Manager (Paraplanning)
Rhea Amor Montera
Executive Office Lead
Fruilene Panes-Paypa
Head of Risk, Compliance, & Regulatory Affairs
Rosa Raschella
Product Development Manager
(Financial Planning Administration)
Arantxa Solis
Interim
Marketing & Communications Lead
Sue Viskovic
General Manager (Consulting)
Get to Know Us More

Adrian Ashton

Business Development Manager

Adrian has been a part of the financial services industry since 1997. For 27 years, he has worked in M&A, Advisor licensing, Life Insurance, Funds management, Platforms, Margin lending and ran a financial planning business.

In 2016, he started his journey with AZ NGA as its second team member. Since then, he has worked closely in managing the relationships between AZ NGA and its member firms, whilst supporting most of them through their M&A transactions.

At the start of 2024, Adrian takes on a new role at VBP as a Key Account Manager. In this pivotal role, he acts as the primary point of contact for VBP that ensures that relationships between AZ NGA and firms owned by AZ NGA are well managed and nurtured. He also develops strategic account plans, identifies growth opportunities, and negotiates contracts for VBP.

Israel Ballena

Client Onboarding & Process Manager

Israel is the Client Onboarding and Process Manager at VBP, where she leads the Onboarding Team in setting up new clients and team members for success. With eight years of experience in roles such as Financial Planning Assistant, Paraplanner, and Client Services Manager, Israel brings a wealth of expertise to her position.

Her commitment to supporting new team members empowers her to guide and mentor the onboarding team, fostering growth from the outset. Israel’s focus on ensuring a seamless onboarding experience is key to VBP’s client satisfaction.

Israel’s passion for client support and team development aligns with VBP’s mission of delivering high-impact, reliable service. Her role is central to building a strong foundation for successful client relationships.

Tara Grace Calalang

Head of People & Culture

Tara joins VBP as the Head of People and Culture VBP after a 15-year career with Accenture and has a depth of experience across employment, recruitment, and related disciplines.

Throughout her career, Tara has led and overseen HR functions including performance management, supply management, employee engagement, talent development, and total rewards.

With her role, she has become a key member of the Philippine leadership team and another Filipino voice that adds to the diversity and integrity of our broader strategy and decision-making teams.

Noralynd Cayanong

Technical & Quality Manager

Noralynd serves as the Technical and Quality Manager at VBP, responsible for bridging knowledge gaps and ensuring that frontline team members meet client expectations. With eight years in the financial planning industry, her background includes roles as a Financial Planning Assistant and Client Services Manager.

In her current role, Noralynd applies her keen eye for detail and deep understanding of technical and quality processes to drive improvements. Her experience as a Quality Analyst in a large BPO further supports her proactive approach to client satisfaction.

Noralynd’s focus on continuous improvement and collaborative relationships with segments aligns with VBP’s mission. Her dedication strengthens VBP’s standards of service and contributes to our team’s excellent service delivery.

Rowell Guarte

Service Excellence Lead

Rowell, known as Ross to his colleagues, is the Service Excellence Lead at VBP, where he brings over 10 years of experience in the outsourcing industry. His expertise lies in developing, implementing, and reviewing operational policies and procedures that enhance service quality within the organisation.

Before joining VBP, Ross worked with several outsourcing companies in Bacolod City. He previously served as an Operations Manager at VBP, collaborating with senior stakeholders and building partnerships across departments to drive strategic initiatives.

In his current role, Ross is dedicated to understanding clients’ definitions of excellence and ensuring VBP consistently meets these expectations. He works closely with key stakeholders to align the company’s mission and values with client needs, contributing to both short-term and long-term planning.

Daniel Harrison

Product Development Manager (Accounting)

Daniel is the Product Development Manager for both accounting and bookkeeping at VBP, where he leads the ongoing development of these services and provides essential technical expertise to support team members.

Before joining VBP, Daniel held management roles at several top 100 accounting firms, lectured in income tax law at the University of Newcastle, and served in an executive role at the Australian Tax Office. His extensive experience gives him a strong technical background in both accounting and taxation, as well as a keen interest in innovation.

Daniel is a member of the Institute of Public Accountants and a Fellow of the Tax Institute, actively participating in working groups focused on digital assets and Web3. His expertise and forward-thinking approach enable him to deliver market-leading solutions for VBP clients.

Chris Miller

Product Development Manager (Paraplanning)

Chris is VBP’s Product Development Manager for Paraplanning. With over a decade of experience in the Financial Planning industry, Chris has held roles such as Financial Adviser, Senior Paraplanner, and Head of Technical Services, developing a strong reputation for his technical and compliance expertise, as well as his ability to create efficient business processes.

In his role as Product Development Manager, Chris leverages his extensive knowledge to provide high-level support and guidance to VBP’s paraplanning division and our external clients. His focus on driving innovation, best practices, and excellence within our paraplanning services ensures our offerings meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Chris is committed to fostering growth within the field, sharing his knowledge and expertise to mentor and empower the next generation of paraplanners.

Rosa Raschella

Product Development Manager (Financial Planning Administration)

Rosa, with over 20 years in the financial services industry, is a Product Development Manager at VBP, focusing on excellence within our Financial Planning Administration team. Previously the Head of Client Engagement for a Melbourne-based financial planning business, Rosa’s expertise spans across client relationship management and advice implementation.

As Product Development Manager, Rosa works closely with clients to embed best practices and ensure teams are equipped with the skills needed to thrive. Her role supports VBP’s mission by fostering a client-first culture and driving service quality.

Rosa’s commitment to delivering outstanding service drives her to build lasting partnerships with clients. Her passion for excellence makes her an invaluable resource for businesses seeking to elevate their service standards.

Sue Viskovic

General Manager - Consulting

Sue Viskovic is the General Manager of Consulting at VBP. With an extensive background in consulting and business coaching, Sue is passionate about helping financial advisers build sustainable and client-centric businesses. She leads VBP’s consulting team, bringing invaluable insights into operations, strategy, and growth initiatives tailored specifically for financial advisory firms.

Sue has spent over two decades in the financial services industry, during which she founded and led multiple businesses, including Elixir Consulting. Her experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the sector, allowing her to guide VBP’s clients towards operational excellence.

Sue is also a published author and a sought-after speaker, known for her expertise in practice management, pricing, and the client experience. Her work continues to shape the standards of success for financial advisers across Australia.