Appointments: Brightwell, IFoA, People's Pension, TPT

Defined benefit scheme service provider Brightwell has hired Simon Liste as chief information and technology officer, responsible for the firm’s investment and administration systems, IT infrastructure and markets support.

He joins from the Pension Protection Fund where he was also chief information and technology officer.

Morten Nilsson, CEO at Brightwell, said: “The pensions sector has lagged the wider financial services industry when it comes to capitalising on the opportunities that technology offers.

“At Brightwell, continuous innovation is at the core of what we offer and Simon’s expertise will be instrumental in driving forward our technology agenda, ensuring that we continue to provide the highest level of service to our clients and their members.”

Liste added: “In an era where technology and digital services can be a real differentiator, it is paramount to have both an innovative and robust approach. I believe Brightwell’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology will set new standards in the UK defined benefit sector.”

IFoA names new chief executive

The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) has appointed Paul Lewis as its new chief executive officer with effect from 6 January 2025.

He is currently chief operating officer at the Royal Society of Chemistry, and has previously held senior positions at City & Guilds and University of Cambridge Assessment.

Lord Currie, chair of the IFoA board, said Lewis would play a key role in devising the organisation’s strategy for the 2026-2029 period.

IFoA president Kartina Tahir Thomson added: “We are pleased to welcome Paul to the IFoA at a pivotal point in our development. We believe that Paul’s experience in a larger Royal Charter body will be essential as the IFoA continues to grow while simultaneously modernising to meet the changing needs of our membership.”

Policy appointment at People’s

People’s Partnership, provider of the People’s Pension, has appointed Victoria Jonson as director of public affairs to enhance the company’s output and profile with policymakers and others.

Jonson will join next month from the British Business Bank where she is currently the senior director of public affairs. She is responsible for managing the bank’s relationships with ministers, parliament, trade bodies and think tanks.

Patrick Heath-Lay, chief executive officer of People’s Partnership, said: “Victoria’s vast experience will be instrumental in further developing our influence and collaboration with government, regulators and industry stakeholders. She will also play a key role in helping to raise awareness of our socially driven purpose to a wider audience.”

TPT appoints Clapp after fiduciary launch

TPT Investment Management, part of the TPT Retirement Solutions group, has appointed Nicholas Clapp as managing director, replacing Cliff Speed who has left the company.

The appointment follows the launch of TPT’s new fiduciary management service for defined benefit schemes.

In addition, the firm has hired Chris Dickins as client director and Valia Tzoka as operations and reporting manager.

Clapp joined TPT Retirement Solutions as commercial director in May 2023, and is responsible for the commercial development across the company’s defined benefit and defined contribution offerings. He will continue in this role alongside his new role.

Chris Dickins joins from Van Lanschot Kempen Investment Management where he was responsible for leading and managing client relationships within its fiduciary management business. In his new role, he will lead on client relationships with trustees who use the TPT’s DB Connect and fiduciary management services.

Valia Tzoka was previously a client reporting manager at Millennium Global Investments where she worked for 16 years.

McLeod to lead Royal London investment work

Royal London has appointed Iain McLeod as director of investment proposition, responsible for developing solutions for individual and workplace pensions.

He joins from M&G Wealth where he was head of investment proposition, and previously worked at Abrdn and Standard Life for more than 35 years in a variety of roles.