The board of John Lewis Finance, the regulated entity behind John Lewis Money, is said to have appointed Charles Offord as Director of Financial Services, according to Retail Gazette. He will take up the role on 18 November and will also sit on the board of John Lewis Finance. His appointment remains subject to regulatory approval from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Charles Offord reportedly has more than 20 years of experience in financial services. He is said to have held the position of chief executive of Co-op Insurance for six years, having joined in 2014 as director of distribution and marketing. Before that, he is reported to have been chief executive of Equity Insurance Partnerships and chief operating officer at Insurance Australia Group.
He succeeds James Mack, who is leaving John Lewis Money at the end of the year to become chief financial officer of Yorkshire Building Society. Mack oversaw John Lewis Money's transition to a regulated broker status.
A broader broking model
John Lewis Money launched its broking model for credit and insurance this year. For home and motor insurance, the business now works with a panel of insurers rather than a single provider, with the aim of offering customers more choice and more competitive prices.
Nina Bhatia, Director of New Business Ventures at John Lewis Partnership, said that Charles Offord has extensive experience with major brands and understands how a member-owned organisation operates. She added: « John Lewis Money is one of the ways we give customers more reasons to choose John Lewis and Waitrose. » She also thanked James Mack for the work done to prepare John Lewis Money for its next stage, wishing him « every success in his new role ».
For his part, Charles Offord said that John Lewis and Waitrose hold a special place in customers' lives and that an opportunity exists to strengthen that relationship on the financial front. He said he was « delighted to be joining the team » and indicated he wants to continue growing the business while looking for new ways to create value for customers and Partners.
