The latest hires, promotions and appointments for the week ending 27 June 2025.
Deborah Evans appointed new chair of the Pensions Ombudsman
The Department for Work and Pensions has appointed Deborah Evans as the new chair of the Pensions Ombudsman. She is currently a non-executive director and chair of the compliance committee at the Property Ombudsman.
Minister for pensions, Torsten Bell, said: I am pleased to announce Deborah Evans as the new chair of The Pensions Ombudsman. I look forward to working with her as she brings her leadership and expertise to this vital role, helping to uphold high standards of fairness and accountability across the pensions sector. I am confident she will make a positive impact for savers and pensioners across the country.”
Deborah Evans added: “I’m honoured and delighted to be appointed as the new Chair of TPO. This is an incredible opportunity to lead an organisation that plays such a vital role in upholding fairness, accountability, and trust. The work of TPO is essential in ensuring that individuals have access to impartial resolution and that pension institutions are held to high standards of service and integrity that the law demands, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Evans’ term will last five years. She starts on the 1 July 2025, taking over from interim chair Anthony Arter.
Zedra appoints new CEO
Financial services group Zedra has announced Dean Blackburn’s appointment as chief executive officer (CEO).
He joined the business as deputy CEO in September 2024, having previously served in senior roles at JTC, a fund administration provider.
Zedra’s executive chairman, Bart Deconinck remarked: “Dean’s appointment will come as no surprise to those who know him. He has a sharp commercial outlook, natural leadership abilities and clear vision for the future of Zedra. We are confident that Dean will continue our legacy under his leadership, driving the business forward and achieving our ambitions as we evolve.”
Outgoing CEO Ivo Hemelraad will now move to a non-executive director role on the group holdings board.
Bart Deconinck continued: “Ivo’s move to a non-executive role marks the end of an incredible era. At the core of our operations and leadership team from the outset of his journey with us, Ivo leaves an unmistakable legacy that I know the team will proudly continue.”
TrinityBridge announces new CEO
Nigel Stockton has been appointed CEO of TrinityBridge, a wealth management firm (previously known as Close Brothers Asset Management). Stockton previously led Oaktree owned financial and wealth advisory firm Ascot Lloyd for eight years, overseeing its sale to Nordic Capital in 2022.
Stockton succeeds Eddy Reynolds, who will step down after three and a half years in the role, where he oversaw the renaming of the business, opened five new offices across the UK, and grew its assets under management from £16bn to £21bn.
Nigel Stockton said: “I’m thrilled to be joining TrinityBridge on 1 September. It’s a very exciting business, already strong and with huge amounts of potential. Clients will remain the heart of what we do, and I am committed to delivering on the business’s preexisting strategy, focusing on high-quality financial planning and bespoke investment management alongside first class asset management.”
