Jacqui Gillies, the marketing and proposition director at Guardian, has decided to leave the industry after a distinguished 42-year career. Comprehending her immense contributions, Guardian now shifts towards a strategic vision for 2025. Key leaders ready to steer the company onwards, focusing on strengthening relationships with firms and advisers. The firm plans to consolidate its position amidst economic challenges while unlocking value.
- Jacqui Gillies leaves the industry after 42 years, departing in December 2024.
- Guardian outlines a strategic vision for 2025, emphasising relationship building.
- Hilary Banks will oversee marketing and proposition following Gillies’ departure.
- Peter Mann highlights Guardian’s robust growth, now focusing on consolidation.
- Guardian aims to unlock value amidst macroeconomic headwinds, maintaining customer outcomes.
Jacqui Gillies, a pivotal figure in Guardian’s marketing and propositions team, has announced her departure from the industry after 42 years, marking the end of an illustrious career. With her departure set for December 2024, this decision marks a significant transition for Guardian, as Gillies has been instrumental in the company’s growth since she joined in 2016.
Gillies was at the forefront of Guardian’s launch in 2018 and played a crucial role in developing its Income Protection and Life Essentials propositions. Reflecting on her journey, Gillies expressed pride in the brand’s achievements and how its innovative approach has benefited customers. She stated, “It’s been an absolute privilege to have been part of Guardian’s hugely exciting journey, from launching the brand… to providing greater choice for advisers and their clients.”
Upon her departure, Rachael Welsh and Jo Penrose, heads of marketing and proposition respectively, will report directly to Hilary Banks, Guardian’s commercial director. This organisational shift ensures continuity in leadership as Guardian moves forward with its newly outlined strategic objectives for 2025, spearheaded by interim CEO Peter Mann.
Peter Mann articulated Guardian’s new strategic direction, highlighting a shift from rapid expansion towards consolidation. He noted the remarkable growth—even amidst a pandemic and a cost-of-living crisis—pointing out that the focus will now centre on deepening relationships with advisors and firms. According to Mann, this strategy aims at maximising value from their established distribution footprint while continuing to deliver exceptional service and outcomes.
As Guardian advances its strategy for 2025, it intends to remain agile in the face of macroeconomic challenges. While aiming to grow and outperform trends in the protection sales sector, the firm seeks to ensure that its product offerings continue to serve its clientele effectively. Mann emphasised, “We still intend to grow and to buck the current overall trend of falling protection sales…”
Gillies’ departure, though marking the end of an era, is also seen as a natural progression towards new leadership and ideas. Guardian remains committed to its goals, acknowledging Gillies’ substantial contributions while preparing for future endeavours.
Jacqui Gillies’ legacy leaves Guardian primed for its next chapter, focusing on strategic consolidation and enduring growth.
