SHIP (Safe Home Income Plans), the UK equity release industry body, representing 20 members and over 90% of the equity release sector by volume, today welcomes the appointment of Andrea Rozario as its first Director General, a full-time post.

The appointment of a Director General follows the results of a strategic review of the trade body earlier in the year, led by non-executive Chairman – Laurie Edmans. It represents the beginning of planned expansion of SHIP activity.

Andrea brings many years of experience in financial services and mortgage advising. She began her career in financial services in 1993 and holds an additional honours degree in Business and Management from York University. Andrea holds three financial planning certificates, a CEMAP qualification and the CeRER Certificate in Regulated Equity Release.With these qualifications and background Andrea set up Rozario Harris and Co Ltd in July 2004 (previously named AMO Finance). Rozario Harris and Co Ltd is an independent, whole of market IFA specialising in the equity release market and was announced Winner of Mortgage Strategy’s “Equity Release Broker of the Year 2007”.

Andrea is already well known among both industry and national media as a knowledgeable and keen spokesperson for equity release. She has been interviewed on recent programmes such as Tonight with Trevor McDonald, calling for the correct portrayal of the equity release industry and the importance of safe products for consumers. Andrea also won the British Mortgage Awards “Equity Release Broker Person of the Year 2006”.

As Director General of SHIP, Andrea will focus on developing strategy and communications activity with the range of SHIP’s stakeholders in the equity release industry, including IFAs, product providers, consumers, the media, regulators, consumer organisations and government. While product safety assurance will remain SHIP’s pre-eminent aim, a new key priority for Andrea will be to increase understanding about equity release among consumers and relevant organisations, particularly focussing on how changed it is as an industry and how relevant it is to today’s retirees.

Andrea will begin the role of Director General on 3rd December 2007 and will be based in a central London office. She will work with two new SHIP boards – a main board of SHIP members and a new management board; managing the execution of decisions from the main board.

Following the commencement of Andrea’s role in December 2007, Jon King, who has led SHIP since 2001, will step down from his role as Chief Executive but will continue to sit as a member on SHIP’s main board. Laurie Edmans, will continue in his role as non-executive Chairman of SHIP, a role he has held since June 2006.

Laurie Edmans, non executive Chairman, SHIP, commented:

“We are delighted to welcome Andrea aboard as SHIP’s new full time Director General. This appointment represents a real advance for SHIP and highlights the united desire of all of its members to increase its role and the profile of equity release. Andrea Rozario brings a wealth of experience to this role and I look forward to observing the future advancements of SHIP under her direction.”

Andrea Rozario commented:

“I am delighted to be given this opportunity at this pivotal stage within the Equity Release industry.There are many possibilities that lie ahead and the role of Director General shows a serious commitment from SHIP and the industry’s desire to aid future growth. I am proud to now be part of an organisation that has already done so much to help improve the image of the industry.”