Simplyhealth appoints Julie Hopes as Non-Executive Director

The Simplyhealth Group has appointed Julie Hopes as a Non‑Executive Director (subject to regulatory approval). Julie brings significant board‑level and executive experience across retail financial services, insurance, and customer‑focused, purpose‑led organisations.  

In May Julie will join the board of The Simplyhealth Group, which includes health services and cash plan provider Simplyhealth, and dental payment plan provider Denplan, as it continues to deliver on its mission to improve affordable access to healthcare for all in the UK. She will also be taking over as Risk & Capital Committee Chair from Jenny Knott, who will be retiring at the AGM at the end of her term. 

Julie is an experienced board director with a strong background in regulated financial services, risk governance, and consumer‑led growth. She began her career at Nationwide Building Society and spent 19 years at RSA Insurance, where she held several senior leadership roles, including Managing Director of Corporate Partnerships, where she delivered substantial growth of new business, and International Operations Director. She later helped establish the insurance business at Tesco Bank, delivering sustained growth through a data‑driven, customer‑focused approach, before becoming CEO of The Conservation Volunteers. 

Alongside her executive career, Julie has built a substantial non‑executive portfolio, with particular expertise in risk, regulation, and member‑led organisations. Her roles have included Chair of Police Mutual Assurance Society, Senior Independent Director and Remuneration Chair at West Bromwich Building Society, and Risk Chair roles at Co‑operative General Insurance, MS Amlin Underwriting, and Saga Plc where she served as People Champion. She currently sits on the Board of Secure Trust Bank Plc as Senior Independent Director and Deputy Chair. 

Julie’s experience will be instrumental in supporting The Simplyhealth Group as it operates within a highly regulated environment while continuing to deliver positive outcomes for customers and members. Her deep understanding of customer vulnerability, operational risk, and consumer duty aligns closely with The Group’s purpose‑driven model and ambition to make healthcare simple, affordable, and accessible