The latest hires, promotions and appointments for the week ending 13 March 2026.
Professional trustee firm Law Debenture has hired Khadeja Khanum and Una-Marie O’Donoghue to its London-based pensions governance team.
Khanum joins from Dalriada Trustees where she was a pensions manager, overseeing the administration and management of various pension schemes. O’Donoghue, meanwhile, was previously a pensions administrator at PwC, as well as assistant to the firm’s head of trustee services.
Mark Williamson, head of pensions governance at Law Debenture, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Khadeja and Una to LawDeb. The quality and professionalism they bring are already clear, and we’re excited to support them as they continue to develop and grow their careers with us.
“They will have plenty of opportunity to make an impact here, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing the contributions they will bring to our clients and our pensions governance team.”
Ostermann exits PPF as chief operating officer steps into CEO role
Michelle Ostermann has stepped down as chief executive of the Pension Protection Fund with immediate effect after two years in the role, the defined benefit lifeboat fund announced this week. Read the full story.
Parkinson to take over Mercer UK
Consulting giant Mercer has appointed Phil Parkinson as its new UK chief executive. Parent company Marsh said Parkinson would take up his new role “in the coming weeks”.
Parkinson has worked at Mercer since 2007, and took on his current role of UK wealth business leader in 2022. As CEO, Marsh said he would “lead the strategic development and execution of Mercer UK’s commercial strategy”.
He takes over from Benoit Hudon, who is leaving Mercer “to pursue other opportunities” following a transition period.
Parkinson said: “I am very grateful for the trust and opportunity to lead Mercer’s UK business. Together, with our team of exceptional colleagues, I am committed to creating the best outcomes for our clients through providing the tools, advice and solutions they require in these challenging times.”
PIC poaches Standard Life investment boss for chief exec role
Mike Eakins is to lead Pension Insurance Corporation as its new chief executive, the insurer announced this week, as it finalises its acquisition by European insurer Athora. Eakins is currently group chief investment officer at Standard Life and chief executive officer of its Retirement Solutions and Asset Management business. Read the full story.
New tech chief at Smart
Lee Hepplewhite has joined Smart, parent of the Smart Pension master trust, as chief technology officer. He joins from data analytics company Outra, where he was also chief technology officer.
In his new role, Smart said he would focus on the development of its pension and savings platform Keystone, which provides the technology platform for the master trust.
Hepplewhite said: “There is a clear opportunity to further strengthen our engineering foundations, scaling our artificial intelligence and data capabilities to continue improving the experience and outcomes we deliver for members and employers.”
Bahea Izmeqna, chief product officer at Smart, added: “As we continue to grow, invest and innovate, it is essential that our engineering and product capabilities remain best in class.”
Canada Life boosts retirement business with double hire
Insurance company Canada Life has made two appointments to its retirement business, bringing in Kris Black as head of annuities and Alice Watson as head of home finance, both newly created roles.
Black was previously head of commercial within Canada Life’s retirement arm, and has also worked for WTW and Aviva. Watson was previously head of B2B marketing.
In a statement, Canada Life said: “Establishing the two dedicated leadership positions will provide enhanced commercial focus and strategic direction to drive change and innovation across both areas of the business.”
Black has already started his new role, while Watson will take up her position upon returning from maternity leave later this year.
Pete Maddern, managing director for retirement at Canada Life, said: “The retirement business is a critical component of Canada Life’s long-term success and Kris and Alice’s appointments reflect the investment we are making to strengthen our team to deliver our ambitious strategy.
“Growing customer demand and regulatory change are creating significant opportunities in both the annuities and home finance markets, and these new roles will ensure we are well positioned to turn this opportunity into sustainable growth.”
Krishna to lead sustainability work at Aon
Aon has hired Sindhu Krishna as a partner and head of sustainability for its investment consulting arm. She was previously chief sustainable investment officer at Standard Life.
In the newly created role, Krishna will oversee advice related to sustainability, including investment strategy and implementation, fund manager selection and specific sustainability solutions, Aon said.
Maria Johannessen, senior partner and UK head of investment at Aon, said: “Sustainability is an increasingly critical area for our clients, so Sindhu Krishna’s leadership will help us to expand our capabilities and further accelerate our impact. She brings considerable expertise in both public and private markets and in innovative climate‑aware investment design, as well as regulatory reporting and stewardship.”
