New role will raise awareness of equity release standards
The UK’s representative trade body for the UK equity release sector has appointed Lee Blackwell into the newly created role of director of communications and marketing. The Equity Release Council say that the appointment will help support the safe growth of the sector as it evolves to meet emerging consumer needs.
Ms Blackwell’s role will raise awareness among equity release customers of the work carried out by the Council and its members in setting standards for products and advice.
As the UK’s ageing population continues to grow, she will also support the industry in communicating how property wealth can be utilised to address important issues for later-life homeowners.
Ms Blackwell brings with her over 20 years of experience in the sector, with previous roles spanning consultancy, in-house and trade association roles across retirement, pensions and later life lending.
Prior to her new role, she was group director of public relations, public affairs and internal communications at Key Group, and previously held senior communications roles at Just and the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA).
Jim Boyd, CEO of the Equity Release Council, says:
“Lee brings a wealth of experience to the Council and an expert understanding of consumer, adviser, provider and trade body perspectives that will help support the safe growth of our sector as it evolves to meet emerging consumer needs.”
Lee Blackwell comments:
“With property wealth holding huge potential to meet some of the challenges facing the UK’s ageing population, I am delighted to join a team whose expertise, passion and commitment is visible in everything they do. I’m looking forward to collaborating with members to help promote the benefits of specialist advice and product innovation, underpinned by Council standards.”
