Melanie McLaren is executive director of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and a board member responsible for policy direction and implementation through the UK Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes, financial reporting, audit and assurance and actuarial standards. Since joining the FRC in June 2012 she has led implementation of the FRC’s effective company stewardship agenda. Her background is in professional and financial services and was a partner in PwC’s financial services practice before leaving the firm in April 2009. She joined Friends Life as business risk director in May 2010 and was appointed chief risk officer in August 2011. www.frc.org.uk