Workplace pension and savings fintech Cushon is today announcing a new appointment to its senior leadership team with Ellen Louw joining as Chief Financial Officer.
The news comes at a time of continued growth and transformation for the business following its acquisition by NatWest Group earlier this year.
Ellen Louw - a financial services specialist with deep experience in consumer-focussed growth, digital transformation and corporate development- joins from commercial news publisher Reach plc having helped embed its Customer Value Strategy and significantly growing its registered customer base as the company’s Commercial Finance Director.
Prior to this she was the Head of Commercial Finance & Corporate Development at money transfer fintech WorldRemit (part of Zepz Group) and held a number of senior Finance roles over 11 years at American Express.
As Chief Financial Officer, Louw has been tasked with driving Cushon’s continued growth plans and managing the financial actions of the company through building on Cushon’s strengths and navigating future challenges. Her team will be pivotal in helping to deliver corporate commitments for both Cushon’s executive committee and the company’s shareholders.
Ellen Louw, Chief Financial Officer at Cushon said: “Cushon’s commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for both its members and the environment is very compelling, along with having established itself as a leader in the pensions space - a sector often criticised for its lack of innovation.
“It’s an exciting time for the business - I’m looking forward to joining a dynamic leadership team focussed on helping Cushon continue to drive positive change for savers.”
Ben Pollard, founder and CEO, Cushon said: “Ellen joins Cushon at an exciting time for the business, bringing her expertise and years of industry knowledge to her role. Her strong understanding of consumer behaviour will prove invaluable as the company looks to further enhance member experience and deliver positive outcomes. 2023 was a landmark year for Cushon, with Ellen on board we’re looking forward to continuing our upward trajectory next year.”
In June, NatWest Group acquired a majority stake in the Cushon following FCA approval. The acquisition accelerates Cushon’s rapid growth strategy with ongoing investment in the next phase of the business and significant scaling to the product, engineering and growth teams.
In October, the Cushon Master Trust announced its target to achieve an 80% reduction in scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions financed by the default fund of its Defined Contribution (DC) pension offering by September 2030 compared to its independently verified industry benchmark of 118 tCO2e/$m invested.
In November, the fintech became the latest signatory to the Mansion House Compact, a voluntary expression of intent by DC pension funds to allocate at least 5% of their default funds to unlisted equities by 2030.