Hymans Robertson announces death of Patrick Bloomfield

The consultancy firm described Bloomfield as a "beloved colleague" and one who had been a leading figure in the pensions industry for over 25 years - someone who "brought his remarkable blend of professional curiosity and charm to his work with colleagues, clients and beyond".

Bloomfield joined Hymans Robertson in 2004 and was made a partner in 2006 and an equity member of the firm in 2010.

At Hymans Robertson, Bloomfield provided strategic defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution advice to a range of industry leading schemes and employers. Having led Hymans Robertson's trustee DB business Bloomfield's more recent focus was pensions policy, especially in his role as senior actuary.

As well as his work at Hymans Robertson, Bloomfield was a leading figure in a number of industry bodies, most notably as the immediate past-chair of the Association of Consulting Actuaries (ACA).

Hymans Robertson senior partner Jon Hatchett said: "We are all in shock at the untimely loss of our much-loved colleague Patrick. His professional brilliance and flamboyant personality made him a treasured leader and guiding force throughout Hymans Robertson for nearly 20 years. He cared deeply about the firm and everything we believe and his contribution will leave a mark on the firm for many, many years.

"Patrick was passionate about developing pensions policy in ways that deliver the best outcomes for employers, trustees and savers and was always looking at ways in which he could positively influence change. He loved thinking strategically about how changes in the pensions industry could provide greater opportunities and make a difference to the lives of more people. He was energised and animated about helping clients and colleagues navigate a path through an uncertain economic future with confidence.

"Along with his incredible enthusiasm for maintaining Hymans Robertson's unique culture, he was a valuable friend and mentor to so many colleagues within the firm. His vibrancy will be greatly missed.

"Our love and thoughts are with Patrick's family at this very sad and difficult time."

ACA chair Steven Taylor added: "We were deeply shocked to hear the terrible news of Patrick Bloomfield's sudden, unexpected passing. Patrick steered the ACA through the two difficult years of the pandemic, which coincided with his period as ACA chair. His leadership through that period ensured we adapted to the challenges presented by the pandemic, helping members to actively participate in the ACA's activities, whilst vigorously pursuing its representational role to government, regulators and other bodies.

"More recently, as immediate past-chair he has been actively involved in the ACA's response to the Mansion House consultations and on-going discussions with the Department for Work and Pensions to continue to shape the future of DB funding. His service to the ACA stretches back to 2004 and he was a member of ACA's main committee since 2016, serving as honorary treasurer between 2018 and 2020 and then chair between 2020 and 2022."

Taylor continued: "He will be remembered for his outstanding contributions to the ACA's public policy initiatives and his collegiate approach to managing the association, always exercising his responsibilities with kindness and a smile. He wanted to make the pensions industry a better place and improve outcomes for future generations and we will strive to continue his legacy with the zest and determination that he demonstrated. Our thoughts are with Patrick's wife and family, as well as his many colleagues and friends at Hymans and around the industry."

The team at Professional Pensions would like to pass our condolences on to Patrick's family and friends as well as to his colleagues at Hymans Robertson and within the broader pensions sector.

Messages of condolence can be shared here or emailed to [email protected].