Railpen appoints Helen Whelan as Chief Risk Officer and Sian Myers as Chief People Officer

Helen joins in late March from private bank Brown Shipley & Co, where she was Chief Risk Officer. Before then, she worked at LGT Wealth Management for almost 16 years, most recently as Head of Risk.

At Railpen, Helen will lead business-wide action to identify and mitigate financial, compliance and operational risks. She replaces interim Chief Risk Officer Craig Hamilton.

Sian joins Railpen in April from insurance company Ageas UK, where she was Chief People Officer. Sian brings extensive experience to the role, having worked as Chief People Officer at Countryside Partnerships, now Vistry Group, and in senior Human Resources positions at Ford Motor Company. 

Sian will be accountable for Railpen’s people strategy. She replaces Paula Brack, who is retiring. 

Helen and Sian will both join Railpen’s Executive Committee, reporting directly to Andy Bord, Chief Executive Officer.

Andy Bord, Chief Executive Officer at Railpen, said: “I am delighted to welcome Helen and Sian to Railpen. Their deep expertise, extensive experience and strong leadership will be invaluable as we navigate the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. It is also pleasing to see that our purpose to secure our members’ future continues to attract great leaders from around the sector.

“Helen brings 20 years of experience to the position and will be instrumental in designing and implementing risk strategies to support Railpen’s dynamic and regulatory-compliant business objectives.

“Sian has operated in the People function of major companies for over 25 years and will be at the heart of shaping our people strategies across Railpen, ensuring that we continue to deliver on behalf of our members by building on our values-led culture. 

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Paula from all of us at Railpen, and to wish her all the best on a well-earned retirement, thank Craig for his excellent work with us on an interim basis, and thank both for supporting such an effective transition process.”

Helen Whelan, Chief Risk Officer at Railpen, said: "It is a privilege to be joining Railpen at such an important time. I am excited to bring my passion for governance and driving business strategy through effective risk management to a purpose-led organisation.”

Sian Myers, Chief People Officer at Railpen, said: “I am excited to join Railpen, where I can help shape the culture and people strategies, collaborate across the business, support organisational growth and empower teams and individuals to excel.”