Baroness Neuberger, DBE, Chair of Trustees at Independent Age said:
I am delighted to announce that Joanna Elson CBE, will be joining Independent Age as our new Chief Executive Officer. Joanna has led the Money Advice Trust into being widely recognised as an outstanding provider of free, impartial advice for individuals with problem debt.
Joanna is joining us with an exceptional track record in working with people struggling with their finances, which perfectly positions her to lead Independent Age as we move forward in our aim to improve the lives of older people in the UK living in financial hardship.
Besides her accomplishments at the Money Advice Trust, Joanna is widely recognised as a key public figure committed to enhancing financial inclusion.
Joanna’s impressive experience includes pivotal roles as Chair of the Advisory Board at Birmingham University’s Centre on Household Assets and Savings Management, alongside her participation in the Government’s Financial Inclusion Policy Forum and within UK Finance.
Further testament to her contributions in the field is the CBE Joanna was awarded in 2022 for her services to financial inclusion.
Joanna will take up her new role at Independent Age in September 2023, and we are confident that she will be pivotal in leading our future impact.
Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Money Advice Trust said:
I’m delighted to be joining Independent Age as the new CEO in September. It is an exciting time for the charity as it gears up to improve the lives of older people facing financial hardship.
With the number of older people struggling with their finances already at over three million there is a clear role for Independent Age.
Living in financial hardship affects older people's health, intensifies loneliness and reduces quality of life, so I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues and other charities to prevent and alleviate it.
I am excited to remain focused on financial inclusion issues, working with Independent Age staff, volunteers and partners, to amplify the voices of older people facing financial hardship and ensure everyone can access the support they need in later life.