Equity release specialist Bower Retirement Services has appointed Hannah Gray as head of operations.

She will be responsible for strengthening the head office and administration as the firm, based in Ongar, Essex, builds on increased demand in the equity release market.

A qualified accountant, she started her career at Rothschilds before working with Capital Group in Geneva as a senior accountant and ICAP in the UK.

The group recently launched its dedicated high net worth equity release service, Bower Private Clients.

Geoff Charles, chief executive officer at Bower Retirement Services said: “The launch of Bower Private Clients and continuing growth at Bower Retirement has highlighted the need for increased management expertise.

“Hannah’s wide experience and expertise makes her an ideal appointment to further strengthen the head office and administration to ensure we maintain our focus on delivering the best possible customer experience.”