Trade body appoints deputy chief executive and makes further senior role changes
The Equity Release Council has overhauled its leadership structure and expanded responsibilities as it prepares to cover a wider range of later life lending products within the regulated mortgage market.
Kelly Melville-Kelly (pictured top) has been promoted to deputy chief executive with immediate effect, continuing to report to chief executive Jim Boyd. She will retain her existing position as director of risk, policy and compliance, combining both roles during the transition.
As part of the changes, Laura Gibson has been appointed head of membership and engagement, while Tom Brett has been promoted to head of commercial and business development. Both will report to Melville-Kelly in her expanded role. The Council is also recruiting a new head of risk, policy and compliance to reinforce its governance, risk and oversight capability as it adjusts to a broader remit.
These moves follow the general meeting in December, at which members backed a special resolution to extend the Council’s remit to all forms of later life lending that fall under the regulated mortgage environment. Equity release will remain a core and specifically protected area of activity for the organisation.
“The Council continues to lead a consumer focussed equity release market based on high standards and protections with which our members agree to adhere,” said Jim Boyd (pictured right), chief executive of the Equity Release Council.
“The restructure and these promotions are designed to support the Council and streamline our operations, to best respond to the opportunities arising from the fast-changing later life lending market – and help protect and promote the interests of our members.”
Commenting on her appointment, Melville-Kelly said she was honoured to be taking on the role of deputy chief executive.
“This restructure comes at a pivotal time as we broaden our remit to encompass all forms of regulated later life lending, while continuing to champion the high standards and consumer protections that define equity release,” she stated.
“It’s a very exciting new chapter for the Council, and I look forward to supporting Jim and working closely with our talented team, to seize the opportunities in this evolving market. Together, we will ensure the Council remains agile, nimble, flexible and influential, delivering strong outcomes for our members and, most importantly, for consumers navigating their later life financial options.”
The Equity Release Council acts as the representative trade body for the equity release sector. Since 1991, more than 950,000 homeowners have accessed £50 billion of housing equity through products offered by its members to support their finances.
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