Vanessa says: “Neil and Ellie join us at a really exciting time. We’re growing fast, and that means making sure we stay consistent in how we deliver for clients and how we support our people. Neil’s transformation and risk experience will help us sharpen our operations, while Ellie brings fresh energy to our People & Culture team. These hires reflect our commitment to being a great place to work and a trusted adviser to our clients.”
Investing in people and processes: Welcoming Ellie Burford and Neil Ford
16 September 2025
We are delighted to welcome Ellie Burford and Neil Ford to the team, as we continue to invest in the people and processes that support our growth.
Ellie joins as Director of People, bringing experience from Azets and Grant Thornton. She’ll be working closely with leaders and managers to help build high-performing teams and ensure every colleague has the clarity, support and opportunities they need to thrive.
Neil steps into the role of Operations & Transformation Director, with over 25 years’ experience across financial services and advisory, including Lloyds, General Electric, Cardano and Mercer. He’ll be focusing on turning strategy into action – helping Affinia stay agile, efficient and client-focused as we continue to grow.
Ellie Burford: Director of People
Ellie is a CIPD-qualified HR professional with a passion for cultural change and career development. Her appointment builds on Affinia’s recent recognition for its people strategy, including apprenticeship pathways and colleague development.
Ellie says: “What stood out to me about Affinia was the ambition and the culture. I’m excited to work with leaders and managers to keep building a great colleague experience – with clear expectations, thoughtful people practices and development that helps our teams do their best work.”
Neil Ford: Operations & Transformation Director
Neil brings a strong track record in leading transformation and embedding resilient processes. His focus will be on aligning strategy with delivery, prioritising what matters most, and making sure change leads to real results.
Neil says: “Affinia’s got great momentum, and I’m looking forward to helping turn that into delivery that makes a difference. It’s about building strong foundations, moving at pace, and making sure we’re set up to deliver consistently and confidently.”
These appointments come as Affinia continues to expand across London, East Anglia and South East England, strengthening our position as a trusted adviser for ambitious businesses.
Both Ellie and Neil will be working alongside Vanessa Emens, Chief People & Operations Officer, to strengthen operations and continue shaping a culture that supports great work and rewarding careers.
