Appointments: New leadership for DC Investment Forum

The DC Investment Forum (DCIF), a not-for-profit research group, has announced Dave Whitehair as its new chair. He replaces Mark Austin, who will remain on the board until the end of this year.

In addition, Lindsay Nickerson has been named vice chair.

Whitehair is director of institutional at Lombard Odier Investment Managers, and has previously chaired NextGen, a networking and training group for new entrants to the pensions sector.

He worked for more than 10 years at Fidelity before taking on senior business development roles at Franklin Templeton and Janus Henderson. He joined Lombard Odier in January.

Nickerson, meanwhile, is a director in the UK institutional team at Nordea Asset Management. She previously worked for 10 years at Aon.

Whitehair said: “Chairing the DCIF comes at such an exciting juncture for UK DC pensions. In turn, we have a really exciting research agenda for the year ahead.

“Investing in the UK and decumulation will be a key focus, both through research papers and the next season of our podcast. I am looking forward to playing a role in shaping the industry’s direction of travel on DC investment in the year ahead.”

Nickerson added: “I’m excited to be working with Dave and fellow DCIF members focussing on investment fundamentals. The pensions industry has navigated significant regulatory changes, yet our shared goal remains helping members achieve sufficient capital for retirement.

“In the year ahead, we’ll bring stakeholders together to identify actionable priorities that maximise projected risk-controlled retirement outcomes through the DCIF’s research agenda.”

Border to Coast makes senior tech hire

The Border to Coast Pensions Partnership has hired a technology expert as it builds its internal capabilities.

Jason Wood is the pool’s new chief technology and operations officer, responsible for its technology, data, change, and investment operation teams.

Wood has been an independent consultant for just over a year, according to his LinkedIn profile. He previously held C-suite technology and operations roles at Railpen and Brooks Macdonald, and also worked for more than 20 years at Schroders.

Border to Coast said: “We are excited to welcome him to the team as we continue to deliver our next phase of strategic development as a resilient and sustainable organisation, all on behalf of partner funds.”

Dalriada poaches sales lead from IGG

Dalriada Trustees has hired Ryan Hubley as its new sales and business development lead.

He joins from Independent Governance Group (IGG) where he worked since 2021, most recently as business development manager. Hubley previously worked in business development roles at law firms including K&L Gates, Dentons and Reed Smith.

Dalriada said Hubley would contribute to the firm’s work with existing and potential clients as well as “key relationships with advisory firms”.

Dean joins Freeths’ Bristol team

Law firm Freeths has appointed James Dean as a partner in its Bristol office to lead the growth of its pensions practice.

Dean has more than 20 years’ experience as a senior pensions lawyer, and joins from Simmons and Simmons.

He specialises in pension scheme restructuring, pension change projects, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory and central government work.

Rena Magdani, partner and national head of employment, pensions and immigration at Freeths, said: “James’ extensive expertise in pensions law and impressive track record will be an invaluable asset to our team and clients, perfectly complementing our commitment to providing outstanding legal services.”

Dean added: “With many challenges facing the industry as we continue to go through a period of great change in UK pensions, I look forward to helping clients navigate this as well as continuing to build the Freeths’ team.”