Kelly Melville-Kelly has been promoted to the role of deputy chief executive at the Equity Release Council.

She will start in the role immediately, reporting to chief executive officer, Jim Boyd, while also remaining as director of risk, policy and compliance.

The change follows what the Council has described as an "extraordinary general meeting" in December, where its members agreed to a special resolution to broaden its remit across all forms of later life lending that fall within the regulated mortgage environment.

The Council is the representative trade body for the equity release sector. Since 1991, more than 950,000 homeowners have accessed £50bn of property wealth via Council members to support their finances.

Melville-Kelly stated: "I am honoured to be taking on the role of deputy chief executive at the Council. This restructure comes at a pivotal time as we broaden our remit to encompass all forms of regulated later life lending, while continuing to champion the high standards and consumer protections that define equity release.

"It’s a very exciting new chapter for the Council and I look forward to supporting Jim and working closely with our talented team, to seize the opportunities in this evolving market. Together, we will ensure the Council remains agile, nimble, flexible and influential, delivering strong outcomes for our members and, most importantly, for consumers navigating their later life financial options."

As part of the restructure, Laura Gibson has been appointed as head of membership and engagement, while Tom Brett has been promoted to head of commercial and business development. Both roles will report into Melville-Kelly.

The Council confirmed it is also in the process of hiring a new head of risk, policy and compliance.

Boyd concluded: "The Council continues to lead a consumer focused equity release market based on high standards and protections with which our members agree to adhere. The restructure and these promotions are designed to support the Council and streamline our operations, to best respond to the opportunities arising from the fast-changing later life lending market – and help protect and promote the interests of our members.

"While we are evolving, the Council stays agile, still punches above its weight, and remains synonymous with high standards and good consumer outcomes."

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