Golden Charter appoints chief marketing officer

UK funeral plan provider Golden Charter has appointed Jill Hood as chief marketing officer (CMO).

The role has been newly created as the business invests in its marketing and brand development as part of a wider growth strategy.

Hood’s experience spans more than two decades, during which she has demonstrated an “impressive” track record of driving transformative growth across a range of markets. Hood has previously held senior marketing roles at Close Brothers, Tesco Bank and Aegon.

In her new role, Hood will focus on overseeing the development of Golden Charter’s marketing and brand strategy.

Hood’s appointment closely follows the appointment of Stuart McWhinnie as chief technology officer in April, who will lead technological transformation at the business.

Charlie Norman, chief executive at Golden Charter, said: “Welcoming Jill to the Golden Charter team marks an exciting milestone for us as we implement the next stages in our growth strategy. Our brand, marketing and product plans are of critical importance and Jill will lead on shaping our proposition and enhancing our presence in the market.”

Hood added: “I’m thrilled to be joining such a well-respected organisation that has helped more than 900,000 people make provisions for their funerals over the last 30 years.

“The funeral planning market continues to evolve following COVID and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority with the emergence of new products and providers, so it’s an exciting time to be part of it. With funeral costs rising again people are considering how to save their families worry and expense at a difficult time and get peace of mind that they have a plan in place.”

She concluded: “There is a real opportunity here to propel the brand and our important financial service in a way which ensures customers can trust us to be there for them, when it really matters.”