Aegon appoints former FCA advice director Linda Woodall

Linda oversaw the life insurance and financial advice sectors at the FCA from 2015 until the end of last year, during which time she oversaw work on the financial advice market review and due diligence standards at advice firms. Prior to that she was director of mortgages and consumer lending at the FCA.

Linda replaces Jo Causon, CEO of the Institute of Customer Service, who served on Aegon’s IGC as an independent member since it was created in April 2015.

Chair of Aegon’s IGC, Ian Pittaway, said: “Linda is an ideal candidate and an excellent addition to our committee. She is well versed in challenging the financial services industry to deliver good outcomes for customers and of course, it is the FCA which put in place IGCs. Linda will bring fresh insights and challenges to our IGC and will make sure we continue to focus on broader regulatory developments in defining ‘value for money’.

“The challenge for us as an IGC is to continue to build on the progress we’ve made and deliver in the areas that are most important to scheme members. Linda brings significant experience in the industry and it’s a pleasure to have her on board.”

Linda Woodall added: “We’re reaching an interesting juncture as rising pension contributions create a huge test for auto enrolment and pension freedoms change peoples’ attitudes towards retirement income. IGCs need to continue to challenge and ensure that members receive good value for money and good outcomes from their workplace pensions. I’m looking forward to joining the Aegon IGC and representing members’ interests.”