The Equity Release Council has announced a senior management restructure following a decision by members to broaden the organisation’s remit across all forms of regulated later life lending.
The trade body has promoted Kelly Melville-Kelly to the newly created role of deputy chief executive, with immediate effect. She will report to chief executive Jim Boyd and will continue in her existing position as director of risk, policy and compliance.
As part of the restructure, Laura Gibson has been appointed head of membership and engagement, while Tom Brett has been promoted to head of commercial and business development. Both roles will report to Melville-Kelly.
The Council also confirmed it is in the process of recruiting a new head of risk, policy and compliance to further strengthen governance and oversight.
The changes follow an extraordinary general meeting held in December, where members agreed to a special resolution expanding the Council’s remit to cover all forms of later life lending that fall within the regulated mortgage environment. Equity release will remain a core and protected area of focus.
Jim Boyd (pictured), chief executive of the Equity Release Council, said: “The Council continues to lead a consumer focussed equity release market based on high standards and protections with which our members agree to adhere.
“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.
“While we are evolving, the Council stays agile, still punches above its weight, and remains synonymous with high standards and good consumer outcomes.”
Melville-Kelly, deputy chief executive of the Equity Release Council, said: “I am honoured to be taking on the role of deputy chief executive at the Council.
“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.
“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 is the representative trade body for the equity release sector. Since 1991, more than 950,000 homeowners have accessed £50bn of property wealth through Council members.
