Standard Life appoints Emma Furlonger to lead workplace business

Standard Life has appointed Emma Furlonger as managing director of its Workplace and Retail Intermediary businesses as the retirement specialist looks to build on growth across its workplace pensions operation.

Furlonger has led the businesses on an interim basis since April 2026, following Gail Izat’s appointment as chief operating officer for Standard Life’s Pensions and Savings business.

She brings nearly 30 years’ experience across pensions and long-term savings, including workplace pensions, intermediary distribution, client relationships and business growth.

Furlonger joined Standard Life in 2021 as head of DC workplace distribution before becoming workplace trading director in 2025. She previously held senior roles at Legal & General, Aviva, Friends Life and Friends Provident.

Standard Life’s Workplace business now supports around three million members, making the division a significant part of the company’s focus on retirement savings and income.

Angela Byrne, CEO of Pensions and Savings at Standard Life, said: “Emma brings a deep understanding of our customers, advisers and strategic priorities, alongside strong leadership experience. These businesses are central to our growth plans, and Emma is well placed to help us build on that momentum and support better outcomes for customers, employers and advisers.”

Furlonger said: We’ve built strong momentum across Workplace and Retail Intermediary, with a clear focus on delivering good outcomes for members, customers and advisers. I look forward to building on that progress as we continue to invest in our propositions, support more people with their long-term finances and help drive the next phase of growth for the business.”

Standard Life said it is continuing to strengthen its position in workplace pensions while developing its Retail Intermediary business.

The company manages around £317bn in assets for 12 million customers and has set a target of helping three million more customers take action towards a better retirement by 2035.

The appointment comes as financial wellbeing and long-term financial security continue to form an important part of employers’ wider workplace health and wellbeing strategies.

Workplace pensions represent one of the most widely available financial benefits for UK employees, giving providers and employers an opportunity to support workers with longer-term financial planning alongside more immediate financial wellbeing needs.