Strategic CFO hire underpins next phase of growth

We are pleased to announce the appointment of experienced finance leader Carla Hammond as Chief Financial Officer for our Health & Employee Benefits operations, supporting the next phase of growth and strengthening financial governance across Howden Employee Benefits and Barnett Waddingham.

In this role, Carla will lead financial strategy, governance and performance across the combined UK employee benefits business of Howden Employee Benefits and Barnett Waddingham (BW), while also providing financial oversight to support Howden Employee Benefits’ growing international footprint.

Carla joins the aligned BW and Howden Employee Benefits leadership team as the business continues to grow and scale in both UK and international markets. Her remit includes bringing finance closer to commercial decision-making, strengthening financial control and ensuring the employee benefits business remains robust, agile and client-focused as it expands. She will report to Glenn Thomas, CEO, UK Health & Employee Benefits and Global Practice Leader at Howden.

"Carla’s role will be pivotal in enabling Howden Employee Benefits’ growth strategy and ensuring the business remains robust, agile and client-focused as it globalises."

Carla joins Howden after 18 years at global real estate and professional services firm Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), most recently as Head of Finance, UK & Ireland. Over this period, she developed deep experience as a finance business partner and finance lead across the UK, EMEA and US markets, working with senior leadership teams to drive performance, reshape finance functions and improve operational efficiency.

"The energy and passion from everyone I've met has been inspiring, and I'm thrilled by the opportunity to ensure finance acts as a strategic partner to drive the business forward."

With a strong track record in leading internal processes, restructuring teams and leveraging shared services, her appointment reflects Howden’s commitment to combining commercial pace with strong governance and financial discipline across its employee benefits business.

Glenn Thomas said: “With over 20 years of experience in the finance industry, Carla’s appointment is a testament to her financial and operational expertise when looking at internal processes. Carla’s role will be pivotal in enabling Howden Employee Benefits’ growth strategy and ensuring the business remains robust, agile and client-focused as it globalises. I am confident that, with Carla alongside our existing talent, HEB will continue its global expansion.”

Commenting on her appointment, Carla Hammond said: “I'm incredibly excited to join the Employee Benefits team at Howden during this pivotal time in its growth journey. The energy and passion from everyone I've met has been inspiring, and I'm thrilled by the opportunity to ensure finance acts as a strategic partner to drive the business forward.”

Carla’s appointment is effective immediately, subject to regulatory approval.