Pensions UK, the trade body for the pensions industry, has appointed two deputy directors as part of its strategic overhaul.
Matthew Blakstad joins from Nest, where he co-founded its research arm, Nest Insight. He previously led on state and workplace pension reforms at the Department for Work and Pensions, and has also worked for PwC and Talking People.
At Pensions UK, Blakstad will be deputy director of strategic policy and research, a newly created position.
Dirk Paterson joins from the Business Banking Resolution Service, where he was a customer director, and also previously worked at Nest on public policy and advocacy.
In his new role, Paterson will be deputy director of external affairs – also a new position for Pensions UK.
The trade body stated that the deputy director positions were designed to strengthen its policy, research, and advocacy work as the Pension Schemes Bill and the Pensions Commission progress.
The appointments follow the organisation’s rebrand from the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, unveiled at the start of July.
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Establishing the evidence base for future work
Paterson said: “It’s great to join the newly rebranded Pensions UK at this pivotal moment in UK pensions history. Pension provision in the UK has made massive strides over the past 20 years, but there’s so much more to do.
“I’m excited to be influencing pensions policy to improve provision so that all UK savers build adequate savings for retirement. I want to help build a policy consensus so we’re all thriving in retirement, not just surviving.”
Blakstad added: “Having worked as a leader within the industry, I’ve already had the pleasure of working with Pensions UK’s expert and insightful policy and research teams. Now I’m very much looking forward to joining as a colleague.
“We will work on an evidence base that can support the future interests of pension savers, and the schemes that serve them.”
Julian Mund, CEO at Pensions UK, said the duo brought “outstanding experience and energy” to the organisation.
“As the voice of pensions, their leadership will be crucial in helping us deliver our new strategy – amplifying our voice, deepening our impact, and delivering for our members in new and better ways,” he said. “Together we will continue to keep doing all we can to support better retirement incomes for everyone.”
