Equity Release Council restructures to support broadened remit

The Equity Release Council is promoting Kelly Melville-Kelly to the role of deputy chief executive as part of a major restructure.

Melville-Kelly also remains director of risk, policy and compliance.

In addition, the restructure sees Laura Gibson appointed as head of membership and engagement and Tom Brett promoted to head of commercial and business development. 

The Council says it is also in the process of hiring a new head of risk, policy and compliance to further strengthen its governance and oversight capability.

The changes follow a general meeting in December where the Council’s members agreed to a special resolution broadening its remit across all forms of later life lending that fall within the regulated mortgage environment – while explicitly retaining equity release as a core and protected area of focus. 

Jim Boyd, 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.”

Kelly Melville-Kelly (pictured), deputy chief executive, commented: “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.”