Ms Leiper brings over 25 years’ experience in financial services to the role. She joined Lloyds Banking Group in 2010 and is currently the firm’s chief customer and distribution officer and chair of its Scottish Executive Committee.

She is lead media spokesperson for Scottish Widows, an experienced campaigner for gender equality, and a keen advocate for improving financial resilience and awareness of the importance of financial planning for retirement, particularly for women to help close the gender pensions gap.

Ms Leiper joined the SFE board in 2023, taking key roles including sponsoring SFE’s strategic focus on changing customer needs, and chairing its Gender Equality Network.

She was appointed through a comprehensive internal process following the vacancy of the deputy chair position left by former deputy chair Sue Dawe’s appointment as chair. The two appointments leave another vacancy on the board which SFE will now move to fill.

Ms Leiper said: “My time so far on SFE’s board has been hugely rewarding, giving me the opportunity to lead our sector-wide agenda on key issues I care passionately about.

“It’s an honour to be appointed as deputy chair and I am excited to continue building on the vital work the organisation does to support and promote our diverse and historic industry.”

Sue Dawe, SFE chair, said: “Jackie has brought great knowledge and expertise to the board since joining last year. She brings a wealth of experience to the deputy chair role which will be vital in helping us deliver our ambitious sector strategy.

“I look forward to working with her to ensure SFE continues to go from strength to strength, supporting Scotland’s financial services industry to continue growing and thriving.”