Health Shield Friendly Society is appointing Graham Berville as the chairman of the board, replacing Julie Hansen who has stepped down from her position after five years in the role.
Berville takes on the role on 1 July and has more than 40 years of experience in the financial services sector.
He has worked in several sectors including life and pensions, general insurance and asset management. He has served as a non-executive director and chairman for numerous mutual and not-for-profit organisations, currently holding the position of chairman at a building society.
Berville joined the business in March as a non-executive director working alongside Hansen before the handover.
Hansen joined the cash plan provider in 2015 as a non-executive director on the board, before becoming chairman – the first woman to hold the role in the society.
She helped to drive the strategic vision, leading initiatives in systems and operational transformation, people development and process optimisation and has been a strong advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion, the provider said.
Hansen was also responsible for driving substantial improvements in financial performance, while leading the business as it went on to win multiple industry awards, it added.
Jacqui Carr, CEO of Health Shield Friendly Society said: “Julie’s commitment and leadership have been instrumental in our success.
“We are profoundly grateful for her unwavering dedication and extend our best wishes for the future.
“We’re also excited to welcome Graham, who brings with him extensive experience in financial services and a deep understanding of the mutual sector.“
Berville said taking over from Hansen was a privilege.
“My focus will be on growth by leveraging our recent investments in systems and infrastructure,” he said.
Hansen added she was delighted to have been part of the mutual’s history for the past 10 years.
“I look forward to seeing further growth and development in the future under the new chair, Graham,” she added.
