Scottish Widows appoints new intermediary distribution director

Ranila joins from Aviva where she was previously workplace savings and retirement distribution director.

The recent acquisition of Embark, an investment and retirement platform, bolstered Lloyds Banking Group’s multi-brand portfolio. Ranila will oversee intermediary distribution at both Scottish Widows and Embark, focusing on growing the Group’s distribution reach whilst continuing to innovate for the intermediary market.

Jackie Leiper, chief executive of Embark Group and pensions director at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ranila on board at such an exciting and transformational moment for Scottish Widows and Embark, following the announcement of the Group’s new ambitious strategy last week. Through our strong specialist brands we are working closely with intermediaries in all segments of the market who are at the heart of our strategic growth plans, to innovate and broaden our product offerings.

“Ranila will play a pivotal role in driving and shaping these relationships; leveraging our scale and expertise to deliver high-quality products and services. She has a highly impressive track record, spanning digital transformation, proposition development and of leading large distribution teams through strategic change.

“Ranila’s digital background her passion to provide modern, world-class experiences for advisers and clients will help drive the enhancement and expansion of our digital services and capabilities.”

Ranila Ravi-Burslem commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining Scottish Widows at such an important time and I can’t wait to start delivering for clients and customers. The business’s new strategy sets out a bold future, with a strong focus on working collaboratively with our intermediary partners. I’m looking forward to playing my part in delivering on the business’s ambitions to be a market leader with good investment outcomes for millions of customers in a way that is financially, socially, and environmentally sustainable.”