B&CE appoints new Chief Operating Officer

B&CE¹ has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer to oversee all its operational functions, including the day to day running of The People’s Pension²; the UK’s largest independent master trust which helps 1 in 6 UK workers save for retirement.

Joanne Palmer, who joins B&CE in January, has more than 30 years’ experience in banking and financial services, most recently with Lloyds Banking Group, in senior positions across a range of roles within UK and international operations.

She has extensive experience of executive leadership and board and trustee level appointments in complex and highly regulated sectors.

“I am delighted to be joining Patrick and the team at B&CE at such an important time in their history. It is truly a privilege to be able to work with such a committed group of people to serve the members of The People’s Pension and to develop plans to do more to help members prepare for their future and take care of their families. “

A passionate environmental conservationist, Jo led the sustainability programme for Lloyds Banking Group achieving 100% renewable energy supply for UK operations – 97% globally – eliminating 60 million pieces of single use plastic from catering operations and delivering a carbon neutral footprint strategy.

She was also the Executive Sponsor for emerging talent within Lloyds Banking Group Operations and was Co-Chair of the Group’s women’s network, Breakthrough.

Welcoming the new hire, B&CE Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Heath-Lay, said:

“We’re delighted to kick off next year with Joanne joining the team. B&CE has ambitious plans for growth, and her expertise will be vital; not least in making sure that the operations and customer service for The People’s Pension continue to serve the growing needs of our 5 million members.”

ENDS

Note to editors

1. B&CE is a not-for-profit organisation that offers workplace pensions, employee accident cover and employee life cover.
2. The People’s Pension is a leading workplace pension scheme from B&CE, serving more than five million pension savers across the UK, with over £16 billion assets under management. With no shareholders, it uses its profits to help people build financial foundations for life.