Former Vidett co-chief executive Naomi L’Estrange has returned to the pensions industry, taking on a managing director role at consultancy group Isio.
L’Estrange left the professional trustee firm last year after more than 11 years at Vidett and its predecessor, 20-20 Trustees. As managing director of 20-20 Trustees, she played a major role in its merger with Punter Southall Governance in 2023 to create Vidett.
Earlier in her career, L’Estrange worked at Herbert Smith Freehills, where she advised the government on pension policy, including on the creation of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF). In 2005, she became the PPF’s first director of legal, and was later the lifeboat fund’s director of strategy and policy.
In her role at Isio, the consultancy group said L’Estrange would be responsible for strengthening relationships with professional trustees and other industry stakeholders., as well as working on areas including ESG, trustee board effectiveness, and talent development.
Julie Gray, partner at Isio, said L’Estrange’s experience would be “a real asset as we continue to evolve our proposition”.
L’Estrange added: “I look forward to working closely with our clients and partners to deepen relationships, strengthen trustee effectiveness, and help share the next chapter of Isio’s work in ESG and governance.”
Roberts joins from Howden as CFO
In addition, Isio has also announced the appointment of Gareth Roberts as chief financial officer. He joins from insurance broker Howden where he was finance director.
Roberts has also previously worked at Bupa as group financial controller, as well as at Deloitte where he was a partner.
In a press release, Isio said Roberts would play a key role in “helping transition Isio from a leading pensions consultancy to a distinguished and integrated provider”.
The company also highlighted the investment made into Isio by Aquiline, a private equity company. Aquiline acquired a majority stake in Isio last year.
Isio chief executive Andrew Coles said: “[Roberts’] extensive experience in senior finance roles for large, complex organisations will be crucial in ensuring we are well-positioned for our next phase of growth.”
Igno van Waesberghe, managing partner at Aquiline, added: “Aquiline invested in Isio to back an innovative leader in pensions, benefits, and wealth advisory. Gareth’s appointment is a key step in achieving this vision and will support Isio’s growth into an integrated, market-leading advisory firm.”
