Natalie Jutla, former benefits guru at the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), has joined Perkbox Vivup to lead its financial wellbeing and workplace strategy.
At Defra, Jutla created and led one of Whitehall’s most impactful benefits programmes. The financial wellbeing and benefits programme won awards and became a blueprint for benefits delivery in other government departments.
She shared her expertise and insights from the programme with delegates at the Benefits Expert Summit 2024.
As Perkbox Vivup’s new head of financial wellbeing and workplace strategy she will be responsible for supporting clients and driving innovation and impact across the employee benefit sector.
Jutla said: “This role allows me to keep challenging outdated norms, helping employers and employees to remove the taboo around finances. It’s essential to encourage open and honest conversations about money that focus on wellbeing. This ensures employee benefits are truly meaningful, not just a tick box exercise, as every employee deserves to – and should feel – valued and supported by their employer.”
The Perkbox Vivup Group described Jutla’s appointment as “a significant hire”, adding that she not only brings deep experience but also a powerful, passionate voice to influence both public and private sector employers on how they support employee financial wellbeing.
She will partner with group leadership to build fresh customer engagement strategies, develop practical toolkits and elevate the way employers support financial capability in the workplace.
Louis Kwakye, group chief revenue officer at Perkbox Vivup, said: “Natalie’s knowledge and influence will add immense value to our clients and their employees. While her impact at Defra speaks for itself, she also brings energy, empathy and a clear vision on how to make financial wellbeing real for employees. Natalie has already shifted the dial in the civil service, and we’re thrilled to have her driving that transformation across our wider customer community.”