The Insurance Institute of Aberdeen (IIA), part of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), has appointed Katherine Harvey as President.
The IIA President’s role is to support the careers of local members, by facilitating professional development and study programmes. Katherine’s first formal engagement as President saw her host an “Achiever’s Event” to recognise the dedication and efforts of those who gained a professional qualification during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Katherine (pictured) is a Chartered Financial Planner and Operations Director at Aberdeen-based Russell Gibson Financial Management Limited, which became a part of One Four Nine in August 2022.
In this role, Katherine works closely with other senior leadership on core areas of business strategy, risk control, finance, and marketing. Katherine also previously line managed the client services team and has direct oversight of the employee development programme.
Profiled in Professional Paraplanner in May 2020, the ex-paraplanner has previously worked for Scottish Widows in Edinburgh, as well as a small IFA, Medical & Dental Financial Planners Ltd and Acumen Financial Planning. Earlier in her career she was also constituency secretary for the Rt Hon Malcolm Rifkind QC MP.
Katherine was awarded Chartered Financial Planner status by the Chartered Insurance Institute in 2020.
Katherine succeeds Lloyd Davies as President, having previously served as Deputy President of the professional body for just over a year.
Looking forward, the IIA is exploring the launch of a local study support programme for those wishing to achieve a Diploma in Financial Planning or Insurance’s well as engaging with local schools and colleges, to encourage more school leavers and graduates to consider the financial planning and insurance professions.
Commenting on her recent appointment, Katherine Harvey said: “Financial wellness matters to everyone as it underpins all aspects of decision-making throughout our lives. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, I strongly believe that the legacy of our profession lies in engaging with people and business to increase awareness and access to the right insurance and financial planning tools, which can improve their future and that of their loved ones.
“As such, the language we use sends a message to our clients and the wider community. For my work at both the IIA and One Four Nine, a core focus area is to amplify our voice and make it clearer where we can add value to people’s lives, whilst leveraging the diversity of our local talent, to deliver better outcomes for all.
“In this process, I am proud to work with highly motivated colleagues on our local Council, which includes contributions from some very promising young talent. Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my predecessor Lloyd with whom I have immensely enjoyed working and learning from over the past few years.”
Matthew Bugden, Chief Executive Officer, One Four Nine Group, said: “I would like to congratulate Kath on her thoroughly deserved appointment as President of the Insurance Institute of Aberdeen. It demonstrates not only members’ faith in her vision, but also reaffirms the IIA’s vision and industry-wide engagement drive. At One Four Nine Group, we are strong advocates of this mission to encourage everyone to think about their financial objectives as early as possible, whilst enabling them to work towards a more secure financial future. As such, we welcome the continued opportunity to collaborate with the IIA when it comes to engaging with local schools and colleges, among other ongoing initiatives to strengthen the industry network.”
