The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has launched a search for a permanent executive director for market oversight after Julian Lyne, who held the role on an interim basis, announced he was leaving the organisation.
Recruitment firm Odgers has been tasked with finding candidates, with the closing date for applications set at 4 March 2026. TPR’s job advert describes the role as “critical” for the regulator’s strategy, mission and values.
The position reflects TPR’s continued shift towards a “prudential” regulatory approach as the UK system moves towards “fewer, larger schemes”. The regulator highlighted that these schemes “could not just impact the retirement outcomes of millions of savers, but could also move markets”.
The job description states that the successful candidate will “contribute in a visible way to the leadership of the whole organisation, and to the wider pensions market”.
They will also be expected to “use deep market expertise to develop a system-wide view of risk and opportunities, drive higher standards of governance, and influence the delivery of ever greater retirement outcomes for savers”.
Gunnee succeeds Lyne as interim director
Lyne has held the interim position for almost a year and is stepping down to “take up a new opportunity with an investment management firm”, the regulator said in a press release.
While the search for a permanent replacement continues, former Gresham House institutional sales head Ben Gunnee is to succeed Lyne as interim executive director of market oversight from 23 February.
Gunnee has more than 25 years’ experience in the pensions industry, including previous roles at Cambridge Associates and Mercer, where he was head of fiduciary management.
Nausicaa Delfas, TPR’s chief executive, said Gunnee’s experience would be “invaluable as we focus on the practical implementation of the pension reform agenda and deliver the best possible outcomes for savers”.
Gunnee added: “We have the opportunity to build a resilient and well-functioning defined contribution market, provide security for members of defined benefit schemes, and drive stronger governance across private and public sector schemes. TPR’s role in bringing about these changes will be crucial.”
