The chief operating officer (COO) at the Equity Release Council (ERC), Donna Francis, has announced that she is to step down from the role.

Francis said she has made the decision to pursue new opportunities, building on more than two decades of experience, mainly across a number of professional membership bodies in the financial services sector.

The ERC is the representative body trade body for the UK equity release sector, with more than 750 firms and 1,800 individuals registered, including providers, funders, regulated financial advisers, solicitors, surveyors and other professionals.

Since 1991, more than 650,000 homeowners have accessed £46bn of property wealth via Council members to support their finances.

Chair of the ERC, David Burrowes, said: “I would like to extend the gratitude and heartfelt thanks of everyone at the Council and our members to Francis, who, after ten years of exemplary service, has made the difficult decision to leave to pursue other opportunities.

“Francis has made an invaluable contribution to the Council both as COO and as a Bboard member and has the respect of colleagues, members and key stakeholders across this important sector.

"Francis'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.

"Francis will certainly be much missed and whilst we are sad to see her go, we all wish her well as she looks forward to new opportunities ahead."

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