Welcoming our new CEO Designate

Published: 16 Oct 2025

The Oddfellows has appointed Simon Gallimore as CEO Designate, effective from 6 October 2025. Simon will work alongside current Chief Executive Officer Jane Nelson during a structured eight-month transition period, ahead of assuming full CEO responsibilities in May 2026.

CEO Jane Nelson and CEO Designate Simon Gallimore

Strong leadership continuity

The appointment marks a key milestone in the Society’s succession planning process as Jane commences her retirement, ensuring strong leadership continuity and ongoing focus on delivering value to members.

Established in Salford in 1810, the Oddfellows is one of the UK’s oldest and largest friendly societies. It includes the financial services brand Unity Mutual, which offers a range of savings and investment products tailored to the needs of its members.

The Oddfellows’ national office is based in Manchester’s city centre on Deansgate.

Commenting on the leadership appointment, David Webster, Chair of the Oddfellows, said: “Simon stood out for his commitment to mutual values and proven leadership in financial and insurance services.

“This planned transition ensures we remain well-positioned to deliver on our long-term strategy for the Society, and we are confident Simon will lead the Oddfellows with our trademark member-centric values and integrity."

Simon brings over 35 years of leadership experience across the financial and insurance services sector, including former senior positions as CEO of the EDAM Group, Head of Claims for AIG UK and Vice President of AIG’s Motor and Liabilities Claims. All roles drew on Simon’s notable strengths in strategic growth, service excellence and developing people-centric cultures.  

Simon holds a Non-Executive Director position with the Salford Professional Development, a subsidiary of the University of Salford, and is also a Trustee for The Dean Trust Schools Academy.

Simon said: “I was immediately impressed by the Oddfellows’ rich humanitarian heritage and member-first ethos, as well as Unity Mutual’s mission and potential to support the financial wellbeing of its members.

“Over the coming months, I look forward to working closely with Jane and the wider team to ensure a smooth transition, and to build on the strong foundations already in place to serve our members into the future.”

Simon, 56, lives in Sale, Manchester, with his wife Debbie and his three children.

Having served as the Society’s first female CEO since July 2012, Jane has worked in senior roles at the Society for over three decades. She will continue to lead the organisation during the handover period.

Under Jane’s leadership, the Oddfellows has achieved member growth during challenging times for membership organisations, managed six transfer of engagements, and ensured stability and strong membership-value across its national branch member network.

Prior to her role as CEO, Jane was appointed Acting CEO in March 2012. She began working for the Oddfellows as Finance Controller in October 1995, became a member of the Board of Directors in May 2000 and became Finance Director in 2007.

Values-driven leadership 

Jane said: "I’m confident in Simon’s ability to bring a fresh perspective to the challenges faced by UK membership and financial services organisations, and that he has the right blend of strategic thinking and values-driven leadership.

“I look forward to supporting him during the transition and handing over an organisation that is in a strong position to serve members honestly for centuries to come.”

With a mutual model at its core, the Oddfellows is a not-for-profit organisation that reinvests its profits to improve products, services, and outcomes for its around 325,000 members.*

Its membership is made up of around 290,000 Unity Mutual policy holders and around 35,000 branch-based members who are supported by social, care and financial benefits across its 96-strong national branch network.

The Unity Mutual brand was established by the Oddfellows in 2018 to represent its financial services offering. Products currently include Guaranteed Investment Bonds, Lifetime, Junior and Flexible ISAs and Tax-Exempt Savings Plans.

Learn more about Unity Mutual.

*Figures as of 30 September 2025.