The latest hires, promotions and appointments for the week ending 30 October 2026.
TPT Investment Management, the investment management arm of TPT Retirement Solutions, has appointed Peter Smith as chief investment officer.
He will also join the executive board of TPT Retirement Solutions and the board of TPT Investment Management. Nicholas Clapp, who previously led the investment unit, will remain on its board alongside his role as chief commercial officer for the wider group.
In a statement, TPT said Smith’s appointment reflected the need to evolve its investment offering following its recent clearance to operate a defined benefit superfund – as well as its work to develop a collective defined contribution (CDC) fund.
Smith has worked at TPT since 2008 and helped lead the development of the company’s in-house investment capabilities.
Meanwhile, TPT also announced that Mike Balfour has stepped down as chair of TPT Investment Management, to be replaced by Anna Troup.
David Lane, chief executive officer at TPT, said: “Peter has played an integral role in developing TPT’s investment capability over the past 18 years, and his appointment reflects the continued importance of investment management to our wider strategy.
“As we develop our superfund and CDC propositions alongside our existing services, Peter and the team will ensure that investment expertise is embedded in strategic decision-making across the group.”
Smith added: “Investment management is central to the success of our new offerings, and I am looking forward to working with colleagues across TPT to build on the progress we have made and help deliver strong, long-term outcomes for our clients.”
LawDeb’s Owen joins Leicestershire LGPS fund
The Leicestershire County Council Pension has confirmed the appointment of Rekha Owen as the fund’s independent person, a new position introduced through the ‘Fit for the Future’ reforms for the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
Based in Leicestershire, Owen brings with her more than 25 years’ worth of experience in pensions and investment, currently serving as a professional pension trustee at Law Debenture. In her new role, she will provide independent professional expertise to support Leicestershire’s pension committee.
Phil King, chair of the committee, said the appointment was “an important step in the ongoing strengthening of the fund’s governance arrangements”.
Owen added: “Local government pensions are distinctive because the people who benefit from them and the people who fund them are largely members of the same local community. I have recently moved to Leicestershire, so it is a privilege to contribute to the fund at a time of significant change for the sector.”
Owen’s other trustee appointments include positions on the Aviva Master Trust board and the trustee board of TPT’s new defined benefit superfund.
Nazir to lead risk transfer origination at Standard Life
Standard Life has appointed Uzma Nazir to the newly created role of senior director and head of pension risk transfer origination.
Nazir was most recently part of the leadership team that launched Blumont Annuity, a subsidiary of Brookfield that has now merged with Just Group. She previously worked at Pension Insurance Corporation in a variety of roles.
Standard Life has written £1.6bn worth of new bulk annuity business in the first half of 2026, and recently announced a £2bn funding partnership to expand its capacity.
Claire Altman, managing director for pension risk transfer and individual retirement, said: “The pension risk transfer market continues to present significant opportunities, and we’re investing in our people and capabilities to ensure we’re well placed to support schemes of all sizes.
“Uzma brings outstanding market knowledge and strong relationships, and her experience in delivering some of the UK’s most significant transactions will be a tremendous asset, particularly as we look to capitalise on the opportunity to support the largest, most complex schemes backed by our new partnership.”
Standard Life said it was also hiring for new roles focused on client proposition strategy and member innovation.
White takes over in senior role at Eversheds
Law firm Eversheds Sutherland has named Sophie White as its new practice group head for employment, labour and pensions.
She currently leads Eversheds Sutherland’s London employment team, and will take on her new role from 1 November.
White succeeds Diane Gilhooley, who has led the group since 2017, and who will retire from Eversheds Sutherland at the end of this year after more than 25 years with the firm.
Keith Froud, global co-CEO and international chief executive at Eversheds Sutherland, said: “Sophie is an outstanding leader who is highly regarded by our clients and colleagues alike. She has played an important part in our success to date and brings deep expertise, a strong track record and a clear vision for the future.”
Sophie White added: “We have a fantastic international team and I’m incredibly proud of the people and expertise we have across our group. I am really looking forward to delivering the very best for our clients and shaping the continued success of our international practice together.”
