The latest hires, promotions and appointments for the week ending 31 July 2026.
Aviva has appointed Standard Life’s Mike Ambery as director of policy within its UK Wealth business, replacing Emma Douglas, who has now taken up her new role as chair of the Pensions Regulator.
Ambery will join Aviva in September, the company said in a press release, joining its Insurance, Wealth & Retirement business.
Michele Golunska, managing director for wealth at Aviva, said: “Mike joins us at a pivotal time for our industry, following the recent introduction of the Pension Schemes Act and ahead of the forthcoming Pensions Commission recommendations. We’re delighted to welcome him to the team. He brings huge experience and a genuine passion for policy.”
Ambery added: “With major regulatory change and savers’ needs evolving quickly, this is an important time for pensions. I’m looking forward to helping Aviva build on its success while keeping customers firmly at the centre.”
At Standard Life, Ambery was retirement and savings director. Before joining Standard Life in 2024, he was a partner at Hymans Robertson.
Bhagwan swaps PPF for BlackRock
Former Pension Protection Fund (PPF) chief actuary Shalin Bhagwan has joined BlackRock as a managing director and head of its UK outsourced chief investment office service, as well as overseeing defined benefit pension scheme relationship management.
Posting on LinkedIn, Bhagwan highlighted several “notable milestones” during his three years in the role, including the move to a zero levy and the introduction of enhancements to some pre-1997 benefits paid to PPF members. Both were facilitated through the Pension Schemes Act after months of negotiations.
Bhagwan joined the PPF in 2023 from DWS, where he was head of pension advisory. He has held senior roles at several asset managers and consultancies over the past 30 years. He is a fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and a member of the Financial Reporting Council’s advisory panel.
Aaron Pang is the PPF’s acting chief actuary while the organisation seeks a permanent replacement.
Bridger joins TPT to boost growth efforts
TPT Retirement Solutions has hired Harry Bridger as business development manager as it prepares to launch several new services.
Bridger joins from Brightwell, and he has also worked at PwC. In his new role, TPT said Bridger would be responsible for “helping prospective clients understand TPT’s range of pension consolidation vehicles”.
This includes a new defined benefit superfund, which is currently going through the Pensions Regulator’s application process, and a planned collective defined contribution fund.
Burke adds to Aptia’s actuarial team
Aptia has appointed James Burke as actuary director as it continues to expand its service offering to clients.
Burke joins from Aon, where he spent almost 25 years advising pension scheme trustees and sponsors.
Nick Atkin, director of consulting at Aptia, said: “As we continue to expand our consultancy practice, James’s expertise and client-focused approach will be invaluable in helping our clients navigate a rapidly evolving pensions landscape.”
Burke added: “The pensions market is undergoing significant change, with many schemes progressing towards endgame solutions while also managing complex projects such as GMP equalisation. I look forward to working with colleagues across Aptia to help trustees and sponsors navigate these challenges and deliver the best possible outcomes for members.”
Shoosmiths hires Gateley pensions chief
Law firm Shoosmiths has recruited Michael Collins as a partner in the firm’s pensions team based in Birmingham. He joins from Gateley Legal, where he was a partner and head of pensions for nearly 20 years.
Lynette Lewis, co-head of the Shoosmiths pensions team, said: “Michael’s appointment enhances our ability to serve clients in the Midlands – a significant hub for occupational pension schemes – as well as nationally, supporting the continued growth of our pensions practice in line with our 2030 strategy.
“He joins us at a pivotal time for the pensions industry where improved funding positions, increased insurer capacity and continued regulatory change are prompting heightened activity.”
Shoosmiths has appointed 24 new partners since April 2025 in an active push to grow its teams and expand its expertise.
