The Farewell Guide names former Dignity chief exec as new COO
In 2022, Kate Davidson was awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours for services to bereaved people during the Covid-19 pandemic
Online funeral comparison platform, The Farewell Guide, has announced the appointment of former Dignity chief executive, Kate Davidson, MBE, as its new chief operating officer.
Davidson, who holds an Executive MBA from Warwickshire Business School, a law degree from the University of Wolverhampton, and the Cemetery and Crematorium Management diploma, rose to the role of CEO at Dignity following positions such as chief operating officer and various strategic management roles within the organisation.
Currently, she also serves as president of the UK’s National Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA) and teaches at the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) at Stratford Business School.
At The Farewell Guide, she will be responsible for bolstering the platform’s network of over 6,000 local funeral directors across the UK.
In 2022, Davidson was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours for services to bereaved people during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rebecca Peach, CEO and founder of The Farewell Guide, said: “Kate’s deep understanding of the bereavement sector and proven track record in leadership makes her the ideal person to drive our partnerships with the wider sector forward. Kate’s leadership will significantly enhance our ability to connect our users with outstanding funeral directors.
“We’re excited to shout about the exceptional funeral directors we work with and continue to grow our trusted community, with Kate playing a key role in doing so. We’re excited to have her on board and look forward to the future ahead with Kate as part of our team.”
Davidson added: “The funeral sector is evolving rapidly, and digital innovation has a crucial role to play in making services more accessible and transparent for families.
“Since my first experience within the bereavement sector, 16 years ago, my biggest desire and motivation at work has been to help people at one of the most difficult times of their lives. I cannot wait to join The Farewell Guide on our shared mission of excellence in funeral care.”
The Farewell Guide was founded as Legacy of Lives in 2022, before changing its name in 2024.