AZ NGA elevates Jacobsen to operations chief role

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist

5 February 2026

The CEO of AZ NGA-backed advice outsourcing and consultancy firm Vital Business Partners (VBP), Nathan Jacobsen, has been appointed the group’s new Chief Operating Officer.

Joining AZ NGA’s senior leadership team and reporting to chief executive, Paul Barrett, Jacobsen will spearhead the group’s continued growth via its “unique proposition” for accounting and advisory firms, and strengthen the underpinning technology, systems and infrastructure to provide better support.

Prior to his time at VBP, having been appointed CEO in 2024, Jacobsen held several senior executive roles including Managing Director of Diverger, Managing Director of Paragem and various General Manager positions at Perpetual Private.

Barrett said the appointment is another step forward in AZ NGA’s plans to build ‘Super firms and Centres of Excellence’ through strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

“Nathan is a highly respected, proven leader and I’m excited to have him on board to help execute our vision and strategy to build Super firms and Centres of Excellence,” he said.

“Under Nathan’s leadership, VBP has achieved significant operational and cost efficiencies, boosted staff and client satisfaction, and successfully launched new services. VBP is in a strong position to continue growing and meeting the outsourcing needs of advisory businesses.”

A statement from AZ NGA confirmed Jacobsen’s appointment followed an extensive recruitment search.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work closely with Paul and the team to accelerate the growth of AZ NGA and execute the group’s ambitious strategy,” Jacobsen said.