Appointments: Aviva, South Yorkshire, Sackers

Aviva has appointed Emma Douglas to the new role of wealth policy director within its UK Insurance, Wealth and Retirement business, with effect from 1 September.

The financial services giant has also appointed Simon Ellis to take over from Douglas as workplace commercial director, overseeing the company’s workplace pensions business. He will start his new role on 1 August.

In her new role, Aviva said Douglas would have “a wider external remit”, which will see her engaging with industry and government on pension policy issues. Aviva has already taken part in discussions with senior ministers on the creation of the National Wealth Fund and on the first stage of the Pensions Review.

Douglas is currently chair of the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association’s (PLSA) board, a role she has held since 2021.

Michele Golunska, managing director of wealth and advice at Aviva, said: “Over the last year, the future of pension savings and the role of investments have become an increasingly critical focus for government and the regulators.

“We have a responsibility to the industry and to our customers to ensure we play an active role in helping to shape pension policy. Emma’s new role reflects the changing policy landscape and complements her position as PLSA chair.”

Meanwhile, Simon Ellis worked at Aviva for more than 20 years in a variety of roles, most recently as head of business development for the company’s workplace pensions team.

South Yorkshire appoints adviser

The South Yorkshire Pensions Authority has named Neil Mason as an adviser to its Local Pension Board, which helps oversee the £11.1bn South Yorkshire Pension Fund.

Mason is currently an assistant director and LGPS senior officer at the Surrey County Council Pension Fund. He has worked across the public and private sectors and has experience with organisational change initiatives as well as committee and board work.

He has also worked with the Hounslow pension fund and the PLSA.

Sackers announces promotions for 2024

Law firm Sackers has promoted five staff with effect from 1 August.

Andrew Worthington has been promoted to partner. He has worked across defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, including advising on the Sears pension scheme’s transfer to Clara, the UK’s first superfund deal.

Liam Goulding, Emily Whitelock and Lucy Swart-Mallett have all been promoted to associate director, while Sam Dalling has been promoted to senior associate.