ICMIF member, The Association of Financial Mutuals (AFM), a UK-based trade association which represents mutual and friendly insurers, announced yesterday that it has appointed Jane Nelson, Chief Executive of the Oddfellows as its new chair. The announcement was made at the AFM’s annual general meeting which took place during the association’s 2019 Conference.

Nelson replaces Andy Chapman, Chairman at The Exeter. Chapman had been Chair of the AFM since 2016. Nelson was previously Vice Chair of the AFM.

The Oddfellows is one of the largest and oldest friendly societies in the UK, with over 310,000 members across 124 branches. The organisation is a non-profit mutual which is run by its member for the benefit of its member. The organisation says its aim is to improve the quality of people’s lives through friendship, care and charitable support.

Nelson joined the Oddfellows in 1995 in the role of financial controller and was appointed to the board of directors at the Oddfellows in 2000. She became Finance Director in 2007 and was subsequently appointed Chief Executive in 2012.

Speaking about her appointment as AFM Chair, Jane Nelson said: “I am delighted to be taking over as chair of the AFM and keen to work with my colleagues on the board to further help and advise our members. Despite our members’ different business models, we all share some very similar challenges within this regulated industry.

“The AFM is an incredible facility for our members to access training and guidance, which we hope will help them drive their businesses forward and feel better equipped when facing any difficult challenges. I look forward to continuing to support, and represent, the AFM and its members during my time as chair.”

Speaking about Nelson’s appointment, Martin Shaw, AFM Chief Executive said: “Under Andy Chapman’s chairmanship we have seen the AFM strengthen its reputation, broaden its role and very successfully deliver on the interests of its members.

Shaw continued: “During that period, Jane has, in her capacity as vice chair, supported our work extensively and contributed immeasurably to our effectiveness. I look forward to working with Jane as AFM chair, and to the continued success of the sector we support.”