The latest hires, promotions and appointments for the week ending 2 October 2026.
Mark Thompson has been appointed chair of Aviva’s UK Life and Pensions Independent Governance Committee (IGC), as of the 1 October 2026.
Thompson has worked in the pensions industry for nearly four decades. He currently chairs the trustee boards of the Prudential Staff Pension Scheme and the M&G Staff Pension Scheme. Prior to joining Aviva’s IGC, he served on Zurich and Scottish Widows’ IGCs.
Before moving into a portfolio career, Thompson was chief investment officer of the HSBC UK Pension Scheme.
Thompson said: “This is a fascinating time to be joining Aviva’s Independent Governance Committee. Workplace pensions have never been more important to people’s financial futures, and strong governance plays a vital role in ensuring savers receive good value and outcomes.”
Simon Ellis, workplace pensions director at Aviva, added: “Mark brings a wealth of pensions, investment and governance expertise gained over a distinguished career spanning some of the UK’s largest pension schemes. His experience and independent perspective will be invaluable as the IGC continues its important role in challenging and supporting Aviva to deliver good customer outcomes.
“Workplace pensions are evolving rapidly making strong governance more important than ever. We look forward to working closely with Mark and the wider IGC as we continue to help millions of customers save with confidence for their future.”
Thompson succeeds Colin Richardson, who is stepping down from the role after completing his term as chair.
Gary Smith joins L&G’s Independent Governance Committee
Gary Smith has joined L&G’s IGC, succeeding outgoing chair Daniel Godfrey. Smith, who has over 35 years’ experience in pensions, has previously been head of defined contribution (DC) at Schroders, head of DC investment at Willis Towers Watson, co-head of DC at BlackRock and chief investment officer of the Atlas master trust.
Smith currently holds a portfolio of non-executive positions, including trustee and chair of the Investment Committee at now: pensions.
Joanne Segars OBE, Chair of L&G’s Independent Governance Committee, said: “Gary’s extensive pensions industry experience will bring valuable insight as we continue to oversee and challenge the value members receive from L&G’s workplace pension arrangements. I would also like to thank Daniel Godfrey for his significant contribution over the past nine years and for the positive challenge and commitment he has brought to the committee throughout his tenure.”
Gary Smith, IGC member, added: “I’m pleased to be joining L&G’s Independent Governance Committee at such a pivotal time for workplace pensions. I look forward to bringing my experience to the committee’s work and supporting L&G in delivering good outcomes for members, with a continued focus on positive member experiences and strong value for the costs and charges they pay.”
Aptia hires Diane Humble as head of corporate pension consulting
Aptia, a provider of pension administration, consultancy and actuarial services, has appointed Diane Humble as head of corporate pension consulting.
Humble brings more than 15 years’ experience in senior roles at EY, Mercer and JLT advising UK defined benefit pension sponsors and trustees on funding, de-risking and endgame strategy. With smaller pension schemes a specialty, Humble has extensive experience developing and implementing liability management solutions, buy-in and buy-out strategies, and journey planning programmes.
At Aptia, Humble will support pension schemes and sponsoring employers’ strategic decision-making, helping clients navigate an increasingly complex pensions landscape while ensuring that smaller schemes receive the specialist support they need.
Diane Humble, head of corporate pension consulting at Aptia, said: ‘I am passionate about ensuring that smaller schemes receive the support and expertise they deserve. These schemes often face the same complex decisions as larger arrangements but can feel underserved by the market. I look forward to helping clients develop practical, effective strategies while contributing to the continued growth of Aptia’s consulting business.’
Two senior hires within Gallagher’s benefits and HR consulting division
Kate-Hulme Vickerstaff and Mark Rowlinson have joined Gallagher’s benefits and HR consulting division, Gallagher Benefit Services. Both will join the UK executive leadership team from First Actuarial, which was acquired by Gallagher in December 2025.
Hulme-Vickerstaff joins as chief operating officer. She will work closely with the rest of the senior leadership team to turn strategy into operational priorities and measurable outcomes. She will also remain engaged with clients, bringing the added perspective into her leadership role.
Mark Rowlinson will take on the role of head of IT (Platforms), leading platform strategy and responsible AI adoption. He will be responsible for the strategic direction, governance and ongoing evolution of the technology platforms that support the UK’s growth ambitions. At First Actuarial, he led the modernisation of systems and processes and the development of the firm’s internal software development offering.
David Piltz, chief executive officer of Gallagher’s benefits and HR consulting division, said: “Kate and Mark’s appointments to the executive leadership team reflect our commitment to recognising and developing leadership talent from across our acquired businesses. As we continue to grow, strong operational leadership and technology innovation will be critical to our success, and Kate and Mark are well placed to help drive that forward.”
Zedra Inside Pensions appoints three new trustee executives
Zedra Inside Pensions has hired Joyce Brown as a trustee executive, alongside Hamida Dadd and Aliza Bashir, who have joined as assistant trustee executives, as Zedra expands its governance solutions.
Manjinder Basi, managing director of Zedra Inside Pensions, commented: “The pensions governance landscape continues to evolve, with trustee boards facing increasingly complex regulatory requirements, heightened expectations around oversight and accountability, and a growing number of strategic decisions around scheme funding, risk and endgame planning.
“This is driving demand for governance support that goes beyond traditional secretariat services and helps boards maintain control, make effective decisions and deliver against their objectives. We are continuing to invest in the depth and breadth of our team so that we can meet this demand and provide the expertise, continuity and practical support our clients need.”
