Leading funeral plan provider, Golden Charter, has announced a change to its leadership with the appointment of Charles Norman as its new Chief Executive Officer. Charlie joins as CEO designate on 1 September, taking over leadership when Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) clearances are completed.

Golden Charter is one of the UK’s ‘big three’ funeral planning companies and has the largest network of independent, family-run funeral directors in the UK.

Formerly Finance Director of the AA Road Services, Charlie Norman has a wealth of experience in leadership roles in regulated markets, financial services, insurance, training and education. Most recently, he was Managing Director of DriveTech, the UK’s leading driver training and education business, which is part of the AA Group.

Norman succeeds Suzanne Grahame, who successfully steered the business through digital transformation, responding to the Covid-19 pandemic and regulatory approval by the Financial Conduct Authority over the last six years. Grahame will play a consultative role to support a smooth transition before seeking fresh opportunities.

Mark Huggins, Chair of Golden Charter, said: “That we can attract a candidate of Charlie’s calibre to Golden Charter is testament to the strength of our business and the strong potential we are showing for the future.

“Charlie will bring a fresh perspective to innovation and digital transformation, which will be critical to our industry as customers continue to change the way to seek out and plan their funerals. Most importantly, Charlie shares Suzanne’s total commitment to putting customers at the heart of everything we do.

I’d like to thank Suzanne for her strong leadership through several years of change and the fantastic job she’s done preparing the business for a successful future, with its customer-centred and insight-led approach to funeral planning.”

Charlie Norman, incoming CEO of Golden Charter, said: “The funeral planning business has undergone immense change in the past few years. It plays a crucial role in many peoples’ lives and helps to offer peace of mind to thousands of families every year. I feel very privileged to be part of it, and I look forward to working closely with our network of independent funeral directors to build on the fantastic work already achieved.”