The council also hired Olivia Underwood as administration and support assistant.
The Equity Release Councilhas appointed Chris Fay as communications manager to head its corporate communications programme and promote the benefits of equity release.
Fay is a former newspaper journalist and communications professional with over 15 years’ experience.The council also hired Olivia Underwood as administration and support assistant. The team will be located at the council’s new office in the City of London.
Jim Boyd, chief executive the Equity Release Council, said: “I am extremely pleased to welcome Chris and Olivia to the team. They will play a valuable role as we continue to evolve the council to meet the needs of this growing and socially important sector.”
“More people than ever are using their property wealth alongside their other assets when they plan for later life.
“The steady growth of the sector means consumers can benefit from best practice in the advice, protection and products available to them.
“Chris’ passion for consumer protection will prove vital in adding value to our members and he will play a central role in building the next chapter of the sector’s journey.”
Fay previously worked for the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and has experience in consumer protection.
His role with the CTSI saw him working closely with the department of business energy and industrial strategy on a business education initiative aimed at driving up compliance.
Fay will work alongside Burrowes, chief executive Jim Boyd and chief operating officer Donna Bathgate.
Fay will also help promote the sector’s safeguards and standards around products and adviceto consumers, which was a key priority identified by 68% of members in the Council’s latest Member Census.
He said:“I am thrilled to join the Council at an incredibly exciting time for the sector, as it continues to meet the varying needs of consumers.
“With equity release now established in the mainstream of later life financial planning, the professionalism of the market and the care given to consumers is more important than ever.
“I look forward to representing this fast-growing sector and to raising awareness about the varied ways in which equity release can help consumers meet their later-life planning goals.”
He brings further national trade body experience,having worked with the Local Government Association and the National Pharmacy Association.
The announcement comes as the sector experienced its busiest start to any year on record, with Q1 2019 witnessing £936m being unlocked from people’s homes to meet a range of needs.
