Isabel Hudson appointed Chair of Royal London

Published  17 January 2025
   2 min read

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

About Royal London

Royal London is the largest mutual life, pensions and investment company in the UK, and in the top 30 mutuals globally*, with assets under management of £169 billion, 8.5 million policies in force and over 4,400 employees. Figures quoted are as at 30 June 2024. Learn more at royallondon.com.

*Based on total 2022 premium income. ICMIF Global 500, 2024