Isabel Hudson appointed Chair of Royal London
Royal London today announces the appointment of Isabel Hudson as a non-executive director and as Chair of The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited with effect from 10 February 2025.
Lynne Peacock, current Interim Chair, will step down from the Royal London Board on 9 February 2025.
Ms. Hudson has extensive financial services experience spanning insurance, pensions and regulation, together with non-executive roles in the telecoms and house building sectors. She is currently a non-executive director at AXA SA and Chair of Guide Dogs. Among other roles, Ms. Hudson has served on the Boards of RSA Insurance Group plc, Phoenix Group Holdings, BT, National House Building Council, The Pensions Regulator and Standard Life.
Commenting on the appointment, Lynne Peacock, Interim Chair said:
"Isabel brings significant financial services insight and an impressive board portfolio, including experience from other sectors. Her deep understanding of the key markets in which Royal London operates will be of immense value to the Royal London Board and its members. I wish Isabel and Royal London the very best for the future."
Barry O'Dwyer, Group Chief Executive Officer, said:
"Isabel is an excellent choice to be the next Chair of the Board of Royal London. Royal London is a customer-owned mutual and Isabel shares my passion for mutuality. I am looking forward to working with her to deliver even more for the customers we serve.
"I also want to thank Lynne Peacock, Interim Chair, who will be stepping down from the Board, and I wish her every success for the future."
Isabel Hudson said:
"I am delighted to join the Board of a company with a long and distinguished history of mutuality and a strong sense of purpose. Royal London’s commitment to helping build financial resilience is particularly important to me. I look forward to working with the Board and wider management team and focusing on delivering long-term value for our members and customers."
Notes to editors
Ms. Hudson will chair the Nominations and Governance Committee and the Disclosure Committee, and will become a member of the Remuneration Committee with effect from 10 February 2025.
Recent non-executive appointments
| 2024 – present | Guide Dogs, Chair |
| 2023 – present | ISC Group CIC, non-executive director |
| 2020 – present | AXA SA, non-executive director & Chair of Audit Committee |
| 2014 – 2024 | BT, non-executive director, Designated Non-Executive for employees & Chair, Compliance Committee since 2019 |
| 2016 – 2019 | RSA Insurance Group plc, Senior Independent Director from 2017, previously non-executive director |
| 2011 – 2020 | National House Building Council from 2011 & Chair from 2017 |
| 2010 – 2017 | Phoenix Group Holdings plc, non-executive director |
| 2014 – 2016 | Standard Life plc, non-executive director |
| 2010 – 2013 | MGM Advantage Life Ltd, non-executive director & Chair, Audit Committee |
| 2009 – 2014 | Pensions Regulator, non-executive director |
| 2005 – 2014 | QBE Insurance Group Ltd, non-executive director & Chair, Remuneration Committee |
For further information please contact:
Lora Coventry, Senior PR Strategy Manager
- Email: lora.coventry@royallondon.com
- Mob: 07919 170673
About Royal London
Royal London is the UK's largest customer-owned life, pensions, and investment company, and one of the top 30 mutuals globally*. With over 160 years of heritage and no external shareholders, we're able to take a long-term view, focusing on supporting better outcomes for our customers.
Today, Royal London looks after 8.4 million life and pension policies, with £212 billion of assets under management and over 5,000 colleagues**. In 2026, we shared £199 million of our profits with approximately 2.4 million eligible customers.
We invest in partnerships that reflect our values, including being the only Founding Partner of the first British & Irish Lions Women's Team, supporting women's and girls' rugby across grassroots and elite levels to help develop the next generation of players and coaches. All driven by our commitment to doing what's right for our customers.
Royal London works for you.
Discover more at royallondon.com.
*Based on total 2024 premium income. International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation Global data, 2026.
**Figures quoted are as at 30 June 2026.
