John Taplin - Co-owner and Founder, Managing Director - John runs Open day to day and is responsible for Opens ongoing growth and development, John is the driving force behind Open and particularly the technology that makes Open so great. He ensures Open delivers on its promises and always will. John is focused on Open being the best, not the biggest.
David Bastock - Co-owner, Founder & Non-Executive Director, 7th Generation Independent Funeral Director - David started the conversation that led to the launch of Open back in 2003. There wasn’t a funeral plan available that he felt gave him the comfort to offer to his clients. That’s how Open started and we maintain those same values and benefits that we always have done. David runs his funeral business day to day but is always on hand to share his vast knowledge and experience.
John Ruddick - Head of Compliance - John Ruddick currently holds SMF3, SMF16, SMF17 with Eastcote Wealth Management. He previously held FCA controlled functions for Apportionment and Oversight (CF8), Compliance Oversight (CF10), and Money Laundering Reporting (CF11) where he controlled and developed the business operating model at Personal Touch Financial Services which became one of the largest financial services IFA and mortgage networks in the UK. John has extensive experience of leading financial services businesses in the FCA-regulated sector with a particular focus on leading and building compliance functions at those businesses.
Gemma Hunt - Compliance Officer - Gemma has many years experience working in an FCA regulated environment and supports John Ruddick and the rest of the team to ensure Open operates in accordance with the FCA regulations.
Amanda Hodson - National Business Manager - Amanda has many years experience in the funeral plan sector having worked for another national provider for 7 years before joining Open in 2020. Amanda runs our Funeral Director development team and our team of Open Prepaid Funerals Advisers ensuring that Independent Funeral Directors and clients all over the country receive excellent service and support. OPF Adviser trained.
Amy Smithson - FD Area Manager - Middle England - Funeral Director growth and account management and OPF Adviser trained.
Paul Hodgson - FD Area Manager - Middle and Northern England - Funeral Director growth and account management and OPF Adviser trained.
Michelle Russ - FD Support and Administration - Michelle helps IAR FDs with day to day support and consumer introductions. OPF Adviser trained.
Carly Hodson - Digital Administrator - Carly is responsible for the updating and upkeep of the IAR FD web pages on the Open website along with plan price monitoring. Carly is also OPF Adviser trained.
Kerris Morgan - Design, Print and Distribution - Kerris works with Claire, Michelle and Carly to discuss plan personalisation information and artwork and supports the print and distribution of Open Plan brochures and POS to FDs across the UK.