The former chief operating officer at Equity Release Council, Donna Francis, has joined the Equity Release Group as a non-executive director.  

The later life broker says Francis (pictured) will focus on “broadening the scope of accessibility in using property wealth as a catalyst for financial planning requirements, while helping to lift standards across the industry”.

Francis spent a decade as chief operating officer at Equity Release Council, responsible for the development of operations, regulatory policy, industry standards setting, membership propositions, corporate governance, and financial controls. 

Before that she spearheaded industry-wide high-profile projects, including the merger of the Life Insurance Association and Society of Financial Advisers to create the Personal Finance Society, followed by the launch of the Society of Mortgage Professionals, in a 30-year career. 

Equity Release Group founder and chief executive Mark Gregory says: “She [Francis] brings with her a wealth of invaluable experience in our sector. She is driven by integrity, and dedicated to nurturing a positive culture that empowers teams to thrive.  

“I am confident that together we can drive scalability and security across the market, to deliver an enhanced customer experience, alongside exceptional quality advice.”   

Francis adds: “Equity Release Group is entering an exciting stage of their journey, and I am delighted that I can be a part of helping to shape their future, as well as the future success of the industry.”