The latest hires, promotions and appointments for the week ending 29 May 2026.
Trade body Pensions UK has named Jamie Fiveash as its new chair, taking over from Emma Douglas on 1 July. He is currently the chief executive of master trust provider Smart UK.
Emma Douglas is stepping down from her Pensions UK role ahead of becoming chair of the Pensions Regulator later this year.
Fiveash will take on leadership of the organisation as it continues to implement its ‘2030 Ready’ strategy and reforms. The appointment also comes as the pensions industry prepares to enact the Pension Schemes Act, with significant developments affecting all areas of the pensions sector over the next few years.
“My focus will be on strengthening our collective voice across our membership base to drive forward policy and innovation that delivers the best possible retirement outcomes for savers across the country.”
Jamie Fiveash
Fiveash said: “I’m deeply honoured to be appointed chair of Pensions UK at such a pivotal time for the industry. I am looking forward to working closely with the board and the wider team to drive forward the vision and strategic plans for the association.
“The sector is transforming rapidly, with significant momentum from government and industry towards improving saver outcomes following the Pensions Commission’s interim report and the Pension Schemes Act. My focus will be on strengthening our collective voice across our membership base to drive forward policy and innovation that delivers the best possible retirement outcomes for savers across the country.
“Having been closely involved in the growth, innovation, and evolution of the pensions sector throughout my career, I’m excited by the changes ahead and the opportunity to set the framework that will finish the job automatic enrolment started, ensuring all savers in the UK can benefit from improved adequacy, value for money and ultimately better retirement outcomes.”
Julian Mund, chief executive of Pensions UK, said Fiveash’s experience and knowledge of the pensions sector and the policy and regulatory landscape made him “an exceptional choice” to take over as chair.
Mund added: “I thank Emma Douglas for her outstanding contribution to Pensions UK over many years. Her leadership, clarity of purpose and commitment to collaboration have strengthened this organisation and the wider industry. While we are sad to see her go, we are proud to see her take on the role of chair of TPR – a testament to her expertise and impact.”
Douglas said: “It has been a privilege to serve Pensions UK and to work alongside such a committed and talented community across the pensions industry. Jamie’s deep experience, strategic clarity and involvement in Pensions UK’s governance make him exceptionally well-placed to lead the organisation, and I know he will bring energy, insight and expertise to this important strategic role.”
Pensions UK seeks fresh faces for boards
Separately, the trade body is also on the hunt for new recruits for its main board and policy board.
John Chilman, chair of Pensions UK’s policy board, is stepping down as chair ahead of leaving the board in October 2027. A new chair is being recruited.
Pensions UK said in a statement: “The Policy Board’s remit and representation stretches across all aspects of our policy work on pensions and its goal is to shape the policy agenda for all aspects of the retirement system.”
It is also looking for “at least one” new non-executive director for its main board from its existing members, as well as an independent non-executive.
Dave Coplin, an independent non-executive director, is coming to the end of his second three-year term on the Pensions UK board.
Muse makes senior governance and risk appointment
Consultancy group Muse Advisory has hired Peter Shaw as principal in its governance and risk team.
He joins Muse from LCP, where he was also a principal focusing on governance, risk and outsourced pensions management. Shaw has 20 years of experience in pensions and is a Fellow of the Pensions Management Institute.
Rosanne Corbett, director at Muse, said: “Pete is joining us at exactly the right time. Having someone of Pete’s calibre strengthens our expertise in governance and risk as trustees prioritise these areas – Pete’s deep experience in managing cyber risk, in particular, will be invaluable to our clients.”
Shaw added: “I’m arriving at a time when schemes are facing an ever-increasing range of endgame options and destinations, making it even more important that governance is front of mind and risk management is focused in the right areas. In particular, I’m really looking forward to working with Rosanne and the team to support our clients’ cyber resilience.”
