Appointments: featuring senior appointments and promotions at Hymans Robertson, WTW, Aptia and more

Hymans Robertson hires Craig Payne

Craig Payne has joined consultancy Hymans Robertson as principal consultant in its LGPS Governance, Administration and Projects (GAP) team.

As the LGPS goes through significant changes in governance and administration, Payne will provide solutions and support to the scheme.

Payne has 20 years’ experience working in the LGPS. Before moving into consultancy, he worked at Wiltshire Pension Fund and Greater Gwent (Torfaen) Pension Fund.

Payne said: ““Having worked closely with LGPS Funds over the past 20 years, we know there is a considerable amount changing across the LGPS landscape. Funds not only face pressures from existing challenges but also from the need to future-proof their governance and administration processes to get the very best outcomes for their members and stakeholders.

“While there is a large amount to do, with the right approach and by dedicating enough time to reviewing and assessing current activity, funds will be able to develop strategies that are right for them.”

Aptia appoints UK chief operating officer

Aptia has appointed Jo Tyler as its chief operating officer. Tyler joins from Mercer, where she held the same title. Since joining Mercer in 2009, Tyler has led large-scale transformation projects, including serving as trustee director of the MMC UK Pension Fund and playing a founding role in the creation of the Mercer Master Trust.

At Aptia, Tyler will oversee the company’s – whose work spans consultancy, actuarial and administration work – operational strategy and delivery, supporting the growth of the business.

Malcolm Reynolds, Aptia’s UK President, said: “Jo’s proven track record in operational leadership and transformation will be a tremendous asset as we continue to strengthen and grow our business. She combines deep pensions expertise with a clear focus on delivering operational excellence, innovation and exceptional client service. Jo’s experience leading large-scale programmes and driving meaningful change makes her a fantastic addition to Aptia’s leadership team, and we’re delighted to welcome her to the business.”

Russell Investments appoints head of Middle East

Russell Investments has hired Brahim Ben Ammar to head its regional presence in the Middle East. Ben Ammar will be based in the firm’s Dubai office. He joins from Banco Santander International and brings 25 years’ experience, primarily in business development, to the role.

Ben Ammar will focus on expanding Russell Investments’ existing business in the region and supporting key strategic partnerships and initiatives.

Commenting on the new appointment, Jim Leggate, head of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Russell Investments, said: “Brahim joins us at an important and exciting time, reflecting our continued commitment to delivering solutions combining investment advice, investment management and efficient implementation to investors across the Middle East.”

Iain McGowan joins Aegon Asset Management as partnership director

In a new role for the business, Iain McGowan will join Aegon Asset Management (AM) as partnership director. He will strengthen and grow relationships with key UK-based institutional partners from his base in Edinburgh.

Prior to joining Aegon AM, McGowan was Scottish Widows’ director of investments, where he was responsible for the firm’s investments on behalf of its customers and its relationship with key asset management partners.

Commenting on the appointment, Adrian Hull, head of Aegon AM’s UK client group said: “Iain brings a wealth of experience to Aegon Asset Management and we’re thrilled to have him join our team. His understanding of investment propositions, investments and the asset management industry in general will ensure we are well-positioned to offer all our clients access to the best of our broad and successful array of strategies.”

LGPS Central appoints Jenny Lewis as general counsel

Jenny Lewis has been appointed general counsel and company secretary. Prior to her new role – which comes as LGPS Central grows and evolves its senior structure – she was head of legal for the scheme.

In her new role, she will lead LGPS Central’s Legal and Governance team, providing strategic counsel to the board, executive and wider business while helping to shape governance and decision making across the organisation.

Richard Law-Deeks, chief executive officer of LGPS Central, said: “Jenny has made a significant contribution to LGPS Central. She brings sound judgement, strong technical expertise and a clear understanding of the needs of our organisation and partner funds.”

Lewis added: ““I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues and partner funds, and to leading a Legal and Governance function that provides strategic, pragmatic and commercially focused advice across the organisation.”

Zedra announces new role for Sam Burden

Sam Burden, who has been with Zedra for nearly five years, will now lead Zedra’s Governance Advisory Arrangement (GAA) as the pensions industry moves towards the implementation of the new value for money framework.

Kim Nash, Zedra’s managing director said: “As the market moves towards implementation of the new framework supporting clients through regulatory change and helping them put effective governance arrangements in place is a key priority for Zedra. Sam’s extensive experience across the pensions industry, spanning both defined benefit and defined contribution, means he brings a wealth of expertise to the role. He is ideally placed to lead our GAA as we continue to support providers through this next stage of the market’s development.”

Sam Burden, head of GAA at Zedra, commented: “The evolving regulatory landscape presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly as expectations around governance and value continue to develop. Clear and effective governance is essential in helping organisations navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment and ensuring they can demonstrate the value they deliver to members.”

Hazel Kendrick takes on newly created position at WTW

WTW has appointed Hazel Kendrick as its newly created head of strategic relationships. After nearly six months in the new role, which spans WTW’s GB pensions businesses, Kendrick is leading the consultancy’s relationships across the professional trustee market.

Kendrick said: “Professional trustees are playing an increasingly important role in helping schemes respond to complexity, manage risk and make effective decisions. Over the past six months, it’s been a privilege to help connect WTW’s expertise across pensions with the needs of this important and evolving market.”