The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) has re-elected Lesley Alexander as its president and appointed Ruston Smith as chair of its board.
The professional body, which held its 45th annual general meeting yesterday (29 July), said Smith will take over from Alan Whalley as chair of the board, adding that Whalley will remain on the board as a non-executive director (NED) for a further year.
It added that Tim Phillips, director of Smart Pension, will stand down from his role as vice-president of the PMI, having served a two-year term, and also from his role as a NED of the PMI board.
De La Rue group pensions manager Rosie Lacey replaces Phillips, having been elected as the new vice-president. Lacey will join the presidential team as well as the PMI board as a NED as part of her role.
Barnett Waddingham principal Sara Cook, who was elected as vice-president in 2020, remains in her role for a further year.
Institute and Faculty of Actuaries senior corporate lawyer Sarah Drummond has also been appointed to the PMI's board as a co-opted NED.
PMI chief executive Gareth Tancred said: "As the PMI continues in its goal to encourage high standards across the UK pension industry, the role of president is crucial. That is why we are delighted that Lesley Alexander remains president of the institute. Lesley's wealth of experience and expertise has been invaluable in the past year. The president is the principal ambassador for the institute, and we very much look forward to continuing to work with her.
"In addition to Lesley's reappointment, we're pleased to welcome Ruston Smith as the new chair of the board. Ruston's extensive experience will be vital in steering us through the next phase of the PMI's development. We would also like to thank Alan Whalley for his three years of excellent service as chairman - his contribution has been instrumental in improving our governance within PMI."
Commenting on her re-election, Lesley Alexander said: "As the pensions industry continues to battle challenges from coronavirus pandemic and the economic uncertainty it has created, I am delighted to continue to support the PMI as it aims to help guide the industry through these unchartered waters."
Ruston Smith added: "With the challenges facing the pensions industry growing by the day, the role of the PMI in supporting, informing, and equipping trustees and pension professionals to carry out their roles has never been more important. I'm excited to be working with the PMI team to continue its excellent work, raising professional standards across the UK through its wide range of activities, courses and events."
