Isio announces new Chair and Non-Executive Director to support strategic roadmap diversifying client offerings

• Chris Woodhouse appointed as new Chair to help Isio execute its strategic roadmap
• Michael Whitfield joins as Non-Executive Director to strengthen expertise in employee benefits

20 February 2025: Isio, one of the fastest growing pensions, investment, employee benefits and wealth advisory businesses in the UK, has appointed Chris Woodhouse as its new Chair and Michael Whitfield as a Non-Executive Director (NED). These key appointments will drive Isio’s continued growth and diversification strategy, as the business works to enhance its offerings to the market.

Chris Woodhouse brings a wealth of experience from his time in both professional services, wealth and investment management. Chris has supported growth organisations through transitions from partnership to corporate structures. He has led Evelyn Partners and the RAC as CEO and held C-Level and Chairman roles within Homebase, Halfords, and the Gondola Group. His experience will be key in helping Isio execute its strategic roadmap, ensuring a continued focus on delivering value to clients, as well as driving the diversification of its service offerings.

Michael Whitfield joins Isio’s board with a deep market knowledge of the employee benefits and the related technology space, a significant area of focus as the business continues to diversify and expand. Michael’s role as CEO and Founder of global employee benefits technology business, Thomsons Online Benefits, and subsequently as a non-executive director in several high growth technology-driven benefit businesses, has provided him with invaluable experience that will be essential in helping Isio drive forward as a new force in the employee benefits sector.

Chris Woodhouse, Chair at Isio, said: “Isio is an exciting business with a strong strategic roadmap in place to continue its growth trajectory. In just under five years, Isio has achieved a great deal for its clients and has built an impressive culture with talented teams across the business.  I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of Isio’s journey, supporting the Isio leadership team alongside Aquiline as they drive innovation and value for clients and people.”

Michael Whitfield, Non-Executive Director at Isio, added: “Isio is at an exciting stage of its growth, with a strong focus on expanding its capabilities that deliver even more value to clients. Employee benefits, and the technology that drives it, are a crucial part of this. I am really looking forward to using my experience to help shape Isio’s future and support its ambition to become a true market leader and innovator.”

Andrew Coles, CEO of Isio, commented: “We are very lucky to have Chris and Michael join our board, bringing with them significant expertise alongside our new private equity investors Aquiline.  The depth of experience they bring is instrumental in ensuring we have the best candidates to guide us through the next phase of our growth. Their leadership will be invaluable as we continue our Isio journey.”