The latest hires, promotions and appointments for the week ending 4 July 2025.
People’s Partnership, provider of the People’s Pension master trust, has appointed José Morago (pictured) as chief risk officer as it prepares for an expected period of growth.
Morago was previously at Allianz UK, where he led the risk function within the insurer’s personal lines and speciality businesses. He has also worked at the Financial Conduct Authority, Aviva and Ageas UK.
Morago said: “In my experience, an organisation that truly focuses on delivering customer value and keeping its promises creates the right environment for effective risk management.
“I’m excited to be able to help continue the development of People’s Partnership’s risk framework and practices as a key enabler of sustainable growth for the business, positive customer outcomes, and stakeholder trust.”
Brightwell adds non-exec to board
Brightwell, the service provider for the BT Pension Scheme, has appointed David Fripp as a non-executive director.
Up until 2016, Fripp was a senior partner in KPMG’s pensions and investment advisory practice, advising FTSE 100 companies and large pension funds on funding strategies, investment structuring, and risk management frameworks.
Following his retirement from KPMG in 2016, his positions have included trustee director of the Imperial Tobacco Pension Fund and chair of the Harrods Group Pension Plan.
Denise Le Gal, chair of Brightwell, said: “David’s extensive experience and strategic mindset will be invaluable as we continue to build the business with a focus on innovative, tailored solutions which deliver real value to trustees, sponsors and members.”
Fripp added: “Brightwell stands out as a genuine innovator in the pensions space. I’m excited to contribute to a business that is not only executing a clear strategy but also leading the way in transforming member experience and operational excellence.”
Watkins lands CEO role at Canada Life UK
Former Scottish Widows managing director Emma Watkins has been appointed as Canada Life’s new UK chief executive.
She will succeed Lindsey Rix-Broom on 1 September, subject to regulatory approval.
Watkins spent a decade at Scottish Widows, most recently as managing director for retirement and longstanding, overseeing the firm’s bulk annuity business, which grew to £6bn under her leadership. She was also a member of the company’s executive committee.
She previously worked at firms including LCP, MetLife, and Ace European Group.
Canada Life said Rix-Broom will continue to lead Canada Life UK until Watkins joins, alongside her role as Europe CEO for the company’s parent, Great-West Lifeco.
Rix-Broom said: “Emma brings a wealth of experience, a strong history of impactful leadership, and a clear strategic vision. Her deep expertise, combined with her proven ability to lead complex businesses and foster innovation, makes her the ideal person to lead Canada Life UK through its next phase of development and growth.”
Bravura’s Hawkins joins master trust board
Bravura’s Jonathan Hawkins is joining the independent trustee board of The Aon MasterTrust.
Hawkins, a fintech specialist, is the propositions lead for Bravura Solutions and has been heavily involved in industry initiatives such as the Pensions Dashboards Programme. He is also a board member of the Pensions Administration Standards Association.
He joins Zedra’s Kim Nash, Bestrustees’ Jenny Davidson, Law Debenture’s Keith Scott and Ndapt’s Paul Macro on the master trust’s board.
Tony Pugh, head of defined contribution solutions at Aon, said Hawkins would bring “considerable digital expertise” to the board “at a time when digital is evolving at pace and bringing new opportunities to enhance member services”.
Copestake takes leadership role at Arc
Specialist law firm Arc Pensions Law has appointed Anna Copestake as a managing partner.
She joined the firm in 2016 and has worked on a range of pensions issues, as well as helping develop Arc’s defined contribution and investment practice.
Copestake takes over from Kate Payne and will focus on the delivery of Arc’s long-term strategy and growth, the law firm said in a statement. Payne has returned to a full-time client-facing role.
Arc senior partner Anna Rogers said Copestake had “developed an impressive legal practice” during her time at the firm and had been “integral” to its growth.
“We see Arc as the pensions law firm for the future, and the next generation of pension lawyers is crucial in driving the change and innovations that lie ahead,” Rogers added.
Zedra promotes duo
Professional trustee and governance firm Zedra has promoted Matt Riley and Matt Race-Pridding to client director roles.
Riley has worked at the company since 2008 and has also worked for Mercer, Equiniti, Hazell Carr and Prudential. Race-Pridding, meanwhile, joined in 2015 and has previously worked at Mercer and Capita Hartshead.
Kim Nash, managing director of ZEDRA Governance, said: “Both of these individuals exemplify the qualities we value in our independent trustees; integrity, professionalism and pragmatism and I’m delighted to recognise this important milestone in their careers.”
