We would like to welcome four new members to our Audit, Risk and Investment Committee (ARIC).
Lauryn Mwale
Lauryn Mwale is an investment professional, author, and advocate with experience across asset management, exchange-traded fund product development, and strategy. She is particularly interested in financial inclusion, sustainable innovation, and strengthening women’s financial resilience.
She is the award-winning author of The Shuri Effect: Bridging the Gap for Young Black Women in STEM and her forthcoming debut novel, Lowkey Losing It. She also co-hosts the STEMettes Say What podcast.
Alongside her professional and creative work, Lauryn serves on the Board of The Young Women’s Movement Scotland. She has previously held roles with the Royal Society of Arts and Glitch UK, a charity dedicated to ending online abuse.
Richard Spencer
Richard is a qualified finance executive with 15+ years providing strategic financial oversight, governance, and risk management across a range of organisations. He has experience in board-level reporting, investment oversight, and policy development, complemented by hands-on treasury leadership including debt refinancing and M&A integration.
He is currently Group Treasurer at Azets, where he translates complex financial information for non-executive stakeholders and contributes to board-level strategic decision-making.
Caitriona Somers
With a background in financial services, Caitriona is an experienced Non-Executive Director and Chair of various audit, risk, remuneration and nomination committees. Previously, she was a CEO and Executive Global Leadership team member at a multinational company.
As an Independent Non-Executive Director with a keen interest and experience in digital transformation, she oversees the development of enhanced corporate governance and the embedding of robust internal control and risk management.
Christopher Digby
Christopher is an Executive Director at Howden, where he has built extensive experience across a range of leadership roles.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, he is passionate about supporting the insurance profession and charitable causes. He serves as Secretary and Communications Officer of the Insurance Institute of Royal Tunbridge Wells, sits on the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Professional Standards Committee, is a member of the Worshipful Company of Insurers, and is Vice Chair and Trustee of the WRVS Benevolent Trust.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Allan Clare, who steps down as a Trustee and Chair of the ARIC Committee, for the outstanding contribution he has made to the Charity for more than five years. Ian Coulman will now take on the role of Chair following the completion of Allan’s term.
Our huge thanks also go to Elizabeth Williams, whose term as a Trustee and ARIC Committee member has also come to an end.