Royal London appoints new group chief risk officer

Louise Gelling (pictured) will join Royal London next month, subject to regulatory approval.

Related topics:  Royal London,  new appointment
Lucy Whalen | Editorial Assistant, Protection Reporter
10th August 2026
Louise Gelling Royal London
"I’m looking forward to playing my part in helping the business continue to grow in a way that is responsible and focused on delivering good outcomes for customers."
- Louise Gelling - Royal London

Royal London has announced the appointment of Louise Gelling as group chief risk officer, with Louise set to join in September 2026, subject to regulatory approval. She will succeed James McCourt, who will retire at the end of this year.  

Louise has 25 years’ experience in financial services. Most recently, she was interim chief risk and compliance officer at M&G plc.

Before this, Louise held senior risk roles at UBS for eight years, and began her career at Deloitte, where she spent 15 years in audit and advisory roles focused on banking and capital markets clients.  

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"I am pleased to welcome Louise to Royal London as our new group chief risk officer," Barry O’Dwyer, chief executive officer, Royal London, said. "She brings extensive leadership experience in risk, compliance and regulatory change, and will play an important role as we continue to deliver for advisers, customers and clients.  

"I want to thank James for his outstanding leadership and dedication over the years. He has made a significant contribution to Royal London, and I wish him a very happy retirement."

Louise Gelling added: "I’m really pleased to be joining Royal London. Its customer-owned model is a real strength, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in helping the business continue to grow in a way that is responsible and focused on delivering good outcomes for customers."

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