Phil Butler, Faith Ward and Colin Haines
This week’s movers include those at 4most, People’s Partnership, Canada Life and Mercer, among others.
Colin Haines hired as client partner at 4most
6 December
Specialist analytics and risk management consultancy 4most has hired Colin Haines as client partner for bulk purchase annuity (BPA) market services.
Haines' move to 4most follows a 12-year tenure at Aon, where he served as EMEA chief commercial officer for Aon's Wealth Solutions business unit.
During his career, Haines has also held senior roles at organisations including Lane Clark & Peacock, BAE Systems and WTW. He is a chartered actuary and the co-founder and chief executive of Haines Global Pensions.
In his new role, Haines will spearhead 4most's activity in the BPA market – aiming to help the firm achieve its mission of helping individual insurers to "write one more deal a month".
The appointment builds on strong growth for 4most's insurance consulting practice, with now over one-third of the UK and Irish BPA insurers as clients.
4most managing partner for insurance consulting Ramesh Indran said: "Our latest appointment is testament to our ongoing efforts to support insurers optimise their people and processes to continue competing effectively in this rapidly growing market. Colin's deep knowledge of the pensions market, regulatory expertise and strategic insight into navigating complex regulatory frameworks make him an excellent fit here at 4most."
Commenting on his appointment, Haines added: "4most's mission is to help individual insurers write one more deal a month. I'm looking forward to building relationships with new and existing clients and enhancing our position as a trusted partner for insurers. 4most is an excellent company which has had exceptional growth, boasts a deep financial institution client book, has extensive subject matter expertise, and is an excellent position to support insurers transform and write more business."
By Jonathan Stapleton
Faith Ward reappointed as IIGCC chair
5 December
Brunel Pension Partnership chief responsible investment officer Faith Ward has been reappointed as chair of the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC).
Ward has been an active chair since her initial appointment in 2020, leading board governance changes, speaking at COPs and other policy / thought leadership events, as well contributing to workstreams providing practical support to members.
The IIGCC has grown substantially over the last few years – now representing over 400 members who collectively manage or advise on more than $65trn (£51trn).
Commenting on her reappointment, Ward said: "I am honoured to continue to serve members of IIGCC having been reappointed as chair of the board. The next few years are critical for climate action, and I look forward to working with our members to drive meaningful progress towards a sustainable future."
By Jonathan Stapleton
People's Partnership appoints deputy CIO
4 December
People's Partnership has selected Phil Butler as deputy chief investment officer (CIO).
Butler joins the organisation from M&G where he was multi-asset portfolio manager in the firm's Treasury and Investment Office for ten years. Prior to this, he was a portfolio manager at Prudential UK.
In the new role at People's Partnership – provider of The People's Pension – Butler will oversee the investment operations and responsible investing teams at the organisation's London office.
People's Partnership CIO Dan Mikulskis said: "Phil's appointment underlines our commitment to building foundations for The People's Pension becoming a world class asset owner. He will play a key role in helping People's Partnership grow our team's investment capabilities as we continue to make our increased scale work for members."
Bulter added: "I'm delighted to be joining this fantastic organisation. The People's Pension is one of the fastest growing asset owners in the UK and I have been impressed by its ambition and business outlook.
"I'm looking forward to working with such a talented team, one that is committed to securing the best outcomes for its 6.8 million members."
By Holly Roach
Canada Life appoints board directors
4 December
Canada Life has appointed Andy Parsons and Jake Lawrence as board directors.
Parsons joins the board as an independent non-executive director (NED) and brings experience of the financial services and insurance sectors. He has held the position of finance director with organisations such as Just Group, LV=, Scottish Widows, Friends Life and AXA UK.
Lawrence, whose appointment is subject to regulatory approval, joins as a NED. He currently serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Power Corporation and Power Financial. Prior to this, he held numerous senior positions during a two-decade tenure at Scotiabank.
The pair are set to join current board directors Keith Abercromby, Marcia Campbell, Sylvia Cronin, David Harney, Paul Mahon, Susan McArthur, Lindsey Rix-Broom, and Siim Vanaselja, and board chair Andy Watson.
Watson said: "I am delighted to welcome two new members to Canada Life's board, both of whom bring significant business and industry experience. Their appointment further strengthens Canada Life's highly experienced and international group of directors as we continue to execute Canada Life UK's long-term strategy to grow, transform, and modernise the business."
By Martin Richmond
Mercer Master Trust appoints chair of trustees
2 December
The Mercer Master Trust has appointed Deborah Frost as chair of trustees, effective from next April.
Frost has held various senior roles in the financial and technology sectors including group chief executive of insurance and employee benefit provider Personal Group Holdings.
She will initially join the Mercer Master Trust as an observer for the remainder of Q4, before assuming the trustee role officially in January, and is set to replace Alan Pickering in the role of trustee chair once his term ends in April 2025.
Frost joins alongside new trustees Aimée Denham (of Vidett) and Nicole Mullock (of Independent Governance Group), who have joined Lisa Mundy (of BESTrustees) and Giles Payne (of Capital Cranfield) on the trustee board.
Mercer UK defined contribution leader Suzanne Rose said: "Deborah is a dynamic leader with experience in the employee benefits sector. Her extensive background in regulated environments, combined with a strong focus on employer and member outcomes, will be invaluable as we introduce new innovative propositions to benefit our members.
"I would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to Alan, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping the trust's offerings and ensuring the best outcomes for our members."
Frost added: "This position presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the stewardship of our members' futures and to ensure that we continue to provide exceptional service and support. I look forward to working alongside my fellow trustees and the dedicated Mercer team to uphold our commitment to excellence and innovation in pension management."
By Jasmine Urquhart
