The latest hires, promotions and appointments for the week ending 24 October 2025.
Pensions UK has appointed Sarah Sim as executive director of membership and commercial services, as the trade body seeks to ensure it is on a stable financial footing.
Sim joined last month from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, where she was part of the executive leadership team, and she has also previously worked for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. She also spent more than a decade in the British Diplomatic Service, with postings in Washington DC and Montserrat.
At Pensions UK, Sim will be responsible for developing the ”member experience”, the trade body said, as well as growing and diversifying income as it aims to deliver on its “2030 Ready” strategy.
Julian Mund, chief executive of Pensions UK, said: “It is a time of great change in pensions. Our members are embracing significant policy reform and their growing importance for wider society.
“At Pensions UK, we have set ourselves a clear objective – to make our industry, and our system ready for the next decade. Sarah’s extensive commercial and strategic experience within membership organisations and beyond means she is the right person to ensure we continue to deliver outstanding value to our members.”
M&G strengthens bulk annuities team
M&G has recruited Rosie Fantom as head of origination and execution for its Corporate Pensions Solutions business, as it seeks to grow its bulk annuity offering.
In her new role, the insurer said Fantom would lead a team of 10 and be responsible for new business opportunities, including the rollout of its new with-profits bulk annuity service.
Fantom joins from Barnett Waddingham, where she was head of bulk annuities. She has also worked at Scottish Widows on its bulk annuity business.
Law firm poaches pensions quintet from rival
Law firm Simmons & Simmons has added to its London-based pensions and de-risking team with a quintet of hires from rival firm DLA Piper. The group includes Amrit Mclean, who joins as a partner and global head of pensions derisking. The five lawyers will join with effect from 3 November.
Simmons & Simmons said the appointments would strengthen its expertise in bulk annuities and risk transfer when working with insurance companies.
Danny Tsang, partner and head of the firm’s pensions and incentives team, said: “The hire of Amrit and her team is an important step for our firm and takes our client offering to the next level. Amrit’s reputation in pensions de-risking, particularly on the buy-side for insurers, is unmatched.
“Her expertise, built over two decades, and strong relationships with leading insurers, will significantly enhance our offering, creating a comprehensive service across the entire pension risk transfer spectrum.”
State Street names new UK asset management boss
Stephen Yeats has been appointed UK chief executive officer for State Street Investment Management. He replaces Alex Castle, who left the company at the end of last month.
Yeats has worked for State Street since 2007, most recently as global head of systematic fixed income. The asset manager said he would continue in this role alongside his executive responsibilities.
Ann Prendergast, head of Europe, the Middle East and Africa at State Street Investment Management, said Yeats’ “extensive track record and vast experience” made him “ideal candidate for this role”.
