Governance

Graham is a qualified Actuary with over 35 years of experience in the Financial Services industry and has spent most of his career in Life and Pensions. He held Chief Actuary and Chief Financial Officer roles in various companies before latterly becoming CEO of the Phoenix Resolution Life Companies and Swiss Re’s UK Insurer Reassure Limited, and its Life and Pensions Outsourcing Business Admin Re Limited. More recently specialising in non-executive work covering a variety of Financial Services disciplines including Life & Pensions, Consumer Finance and General Insurance. Graham joined the National Friendly Board as a Non-Executive Director in December 2019 and was appointed as CEO in April 2021.

Julian joined the Society in July 2020 to lead the Internal Actuarial Function. He qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries in 2003, and has over 20 years’ experience working in the Life Insurance Sector. He spent nearly 10 years working for the International Consultancy Watson Wyatt (now part of Willis Towers Watson), advising all types of Insurer, from friendly societies to multi-nationals. For the 11 years immediately prior to joining the Society he worked for Just Retirement (now Just Group), in a variety of actuarial roles spanning Risk and Capital Management, Pricing and Corporate Development. Julian was appointed to the Board as an Executive Director in May 2021 and also asked to act as Chief Actuary for the Society.

Oliver joined the Society in August 2017 as Commercial Development Manager to develop and increase the Sales and Marketing Distribution. He has spent the past 18 years in the health and protection industry working closely with clients and intermediaries. Previously to joining National Friendly he was Head of Intermediaries overseeing the distribution of Private Healthcare and Short Term Income Protection through a network of specialist brokers. Oliver was appointed as Sales & Distribution Director in May 2022 looking to implement the Society’s long term strategy of growing a sustainable business model.

Martyn joined the Society in November 1990 as part of the Finance Team. During his time with the Society, Martyn has held numerous managerial roles including Customer Services, Premiums and Business Services. More recently Martyn has held the position of Risk & Assurance Manager with responsibility for overseeing the development of the Society’s Risk Appetite Framework, Risk Universe and oversight of the Internal Audit function. Martyn has also successfully lead the Project Team in the development and launch of a number of the Society’s new products including Accident Only Income Protection, Guaranteed Life Assurance and Immediate Care Annuities. Martyn is also a Trustee of the Society’s Pension Scheme and holds qualifications in Risk Management and is an EU General Data Protection Regulation Practitioner.

Liz Thompson joined the Society on a permanent basis in September 2021 to lead the Legal and Compliance function, this also includes the complaints handling for both the regulated entities. Liz brings with her a wealth of expertise and experience creating and leading various Compliance teams within the regulated environment, including the mutual sector, as well as setting up complaints handling functions. Liz also has extensive experience of risk management, governance and conduct risk within the sector. Liz has worked as a consultant for the last few years and has acted as Chief Risk Officer, Risk and Compliance Director and Head of Compliance and Governance in temporary roles supporting regulated entities.

Andy joined the society in March 2023 and has worked in Internal Audit and Risk Management roles for the last 19 years of his 35 year career (and counting) in the Financial Services industry. He joined the Institute of Internal Auditors in 2008, qualifying in 2013 and gaining Chartered Internal Auditor status in 2016 as well as Chartered Manager with the Chartered Management Institute. He has gained a strong knowledge of risks, controls and governance as well as organisation, communication and analytical skills having conducted internal control reviews and audits over a wide range of processes in financial services.