Francis McGee appointed director of external affairs

_{21 November, 2013}

Francis McGee will be joining the executive of StepChange Debt Charity as director of external affairs from January 2014. 

McGee has a career spanning over 20 years in government, regulation and the financial services industry, most recently as head of policy and external affairs at the Money Advice Service. 

Before that, he was head of corporate affairs at AEGON UK from July 2005 until January 2011.  He led AEGON’s work on public policy issues, working with government, Parliament and the FSA, including the government’s pensions reform programme, FSA’s Retail Distribution Review, and financial capability issues, particularly building on the success of Otto Thoresen’s Generic Advice Review for HM Treasury. 

Before joining AEGON, McGee was head of regulation and strategy at the Association of British Insurers. 

Francis’ early career was in the Treasury, but also included spells at the Bank of England and the Personal Investment Authority.

Announcing his appointment, chairman Wilf Stevenson said:

“With his extensive experience of working across a range of policy issues including financial capability, financial inclusion and access to financial services, especially advice, debt and consumer policy, Francis brings invaluable experience to the Charity.”

Francis McGee welcomed his appointment, saying:

“I'm delighted to be joining StepChange Debt Charity.  I am looking forward to representing the interests of individuals and families with problem debt, and to advancing free debt advice across the UK".