The equity release council has promoted Kelly Melville-Kelly to Deputy CEO as part of a wider restructuring.
Melville-Kelly now reports to Jim Boyd, CEO, and remains director of risk and compliance; the restructure follows a December Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) where members agreed to a special resolution broadening the Council’s remit across all forms of later life lending within the regulated mortgage environment, while explicitly retaining equity release as a core and protected area of focus.
“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,” said Jim Boyd, CEO of the Equity Release Council.
“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,” added Melville-Kelly.
The restructure also sees Laura Gibson appointed as head of membership and engagement, and Tom Brett promoted to head of commercial and business development. Both roles will report into Melville-Kelly.