Ann-Marie O'Dea steps down as Shepherds Friendly CEO

Jonathan Sandell takes the role

Jaskeet Briah
clock • 3 min read

Provider, Shepherds Friendly, has announced that its CEO, Ann-Marie O’Dea, will step down after more than 10 years in the role.

The news comes as the Association of Financial Mutuals (AFM) announced on 1 October, 2025 that O'Dea has stepped down as chair of its board, with Cirencester Friendly's CEO, Andy Morris, named as successor. In her place at the mutual, Jonathan Sandell will take over as Shepherds Friendly's CEO at the start of 2026, subject to regulatory approval. Shepherds Friendly said Sandell will add "significant strategic expertise", particularly in the development of customer propositions and in growing partnerships with intermediaries. O'Dea said: "After almost 20 years at Shepherds Friendly,...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Insurer

Healix Health appoints director of corporate proposition

Healix Health appoints director of corporate proposition

Developing Healix’s health and wellbeing offering

Jaskeet Briah
clock 06 October 2025 • 1 min read
Unum launches digital platform to manage employee health

Unum launches digital platform to manage employee health

Available for group protection and cashplan customers

Jaskeet Briah
clock 06 October 2025 • 1 min read
Most employees would continue working despite financial need: Cirencester Friendly

Most employees would continue working despite financial need: Cirencester Friendly

Younger respondents were most likely to continue working

Jaskeet Briah
clock 03 October 2025 • 2 min read