The Equity Release Council has announced that chief operating officer Donna Francis will step down from the body after more than ten years “to pursue new opportunities”.   

Francis’ role at the body has been to oversee its governance and day-to-day running. 

She is also a council board member and has also been involved in the development of membership propositions and the oversight of conduct risk, since joining the association in 2013.  

Francis also worked at the Chartered Insurance Institute for almost five years, leaving as head of marketing operations eleven years ago.  

She began her career at LV=, where she spent eight years, leaving as regional customer service manager in 2003.  

Equity Release Council chair David Burrowes says: “Donna’s input and experience have been key to the development of the council in its formative years having joined soon after its launch and has continued to be a guiding light and central in the major decisions which have been so important in the development of the council as a trusted and influential trade body and standards setter.  

“During her time and stewardship, the council has grown significantly with over 750 corporate members and 1,800 individual members, and whose logo is now synonymous with good customer outcomes and high standards.”