Railpen appoints chief risk officer and CPO

Railpen has appointed Sian Myers (pictured) as chief people officer (CPO) and Helen Whelan as chief risk officer. 

Whelan will start in late March, joining from Brown Shipley & Co, where she was chief risk officer. 

Before that, she spent almost 16 years at LGT Wealth Management, most recently as head of risk. 

At Railpen, Whelan will lead business-wide work to identify and reduce financial, compliance and operational risks.

She takes over from Craig Hamilton, who was interim chief risk officer.

Myers will join Railpen in April from Ageas UK, where she was CPO. 

She has also worked as CPO at Countryside Partnerships, now Vistry Group, and held senior human resources (HR) roles at Ford Motor Company. 

Myers will be responsible for Railpen’s people strategy, replacing Paula Brack, who is retiring.

Both Whelan and Myers will join Railpen’s executive committee and report directly to Andy Bord, CEO.

Bord 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.”

Bord added: “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.”

Whelan 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.”

Myers 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.”