Golden Charter appoints new CEO and chair

Golden Charter has announced the appointment of Chris Wilson as its new chief executive officer starting from 1 September, with board member Claire Zuurbier set to take over as chair from John Thornton effective 1 October. 

The appointments follow the planned departure of current chief executive Mark Huggins, who stepped into the post following the death of former chief executive Charlie Norman. Huggins had previously served as chair.

Wilson is a trained lawyer with a background in senior roles across financial services. He was previously managing director for retail at Ulster Bank, and held senior positions at the Royal Bank of Scotland and Direct Line. Most recently, he was managing director of Think Business Loans.

Zuurbier, who has served on Golden Charter’s board for three and a half years, has been working alongside Thornton in recent months to support the transition.

Golden Charter said the leadership changes come at a time of increased brand awareness, following an advertising campaign targeting customers aged 65 and over.

Wilson said: “I’m delighted to be joining Golden Charter. I’ve always sought to work for organisations that do something genuinely useful in the world, and Golden Charter certainly does that – helping families plan and prepare for one of life’s most difficult moments with dignity and care.

“The culture and values of the business have been evident throughout the hiring process, which has been tremendously encouraging to experience. I’m very much looking forward to working with the board, team, and our wider network of partners as we continue developing the way we serve and grow our customers.”

Zuurbier added: “I’m both thrilled and honoured to be taking on the role of chair at Golden Charter. After three and a half years serving as a non-executive, my passion for this business remains unbounded, and I look forward to working with the board, the executive team and our independent funeral director network in my new role.

“As a widow myself, I experienced first hand the importance of the funeral in the grieving process. I will be using my platform as chair to do all I can to preserve the pause for reflection and shared grief that loved ones need in that period after losing someone.”

Golden Charter said it looked forward to continuing the delivery of its strategy under the new leadership.