The latest hires, promotions and appointments for the week ending 24 January 2025.
Barry McKay has been appointed as the new head of public sector at Barnett Waddingham, replacing Graeme Muir, who is retiring.
Muir set up the consultancy’s public sector team in 2002. McKay has been a member of the team since joining Barnett Waddingham in 2018.
Muir said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with LGPS funds and their amazing people over the last 40 years and am immensely proud of the business we created at Barnett Waddingham 20 years ago.
“We are, and have been for quite some time, the second biggest provider of actuarial and related services to LGPS funds and their employers. The best years of my career were at Barnett Waddingham, building up an amazing team of people who I know under Barry’s leadership will continue to thrive and do great things for our clients.”
McKay added: “Given recent government consultations and the upcoming funding valuations, I am thrilled to step into this role at such a pivotal time for the LGPS and for Barnett Waddingham’s public sector team.
“The strong foundation built by Graeme has positioned us to meet the evolving needs of our clients. I look forward to leading our superb team as we continue to deliver exceptional service.”
New trustee at UK’s largest corporate scheme
The £38.7bn BT Pension Scheme has appointed Steven Dickson as a member nominated trustee director. He was selected by BT’s recognised trade unions and the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners.
He succeeds Ben Marshall, who retired as a trustee earlier this month after eight years.
Dickson worked for BT for 32 years in various senior positions, latterly leading the company’s global contract assurance programme in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific regions. He was also a member of the leadership team at BT Group Business Services before retiring in 2021.
Dickson was previously a trustee for the BT Retirement Savings Scheme, a defined contribution plan, and was formerly part of the Prospect trade union’s National Executive Committee.
Aegon creates master trust lead position
Aegon has named Antonia Balaam as head of master trust, a newly created position.
Nick Roy, workplace commercial director at Aegon, said the new role would sit alongside her existing responsibilities leading the company’s client relationship teams.
“The change will ultimately see our board, workplace team, and employers working more closely together to drive better member outcomes,” he explained.
Ian Pittaway, chair of the Aegon Master Trust board, added: “Antonia is always striving for ways to improve our offering. Her energy and drive will help the trustees deliver first-class results for our members and employers.”
Former TPR chief joins Dalriada
Dalriada Trustees has hired Stephen Soper as managing director for business delivery and operations, effective from 1 February.
He joins from PwC where he was a partner in the pensions team, and has previously worked at the Pensions Regulator, including a period as interim chief executive.
Prior to this, Soper held various executive positions at RBS, Zurich Financial Services and Aon.
In his new role, Soper will be responsible for business operations, the development of Dalriada’s operating model, key strategic projects and the effectiveness of change management, the company said in a press release.
Soper said: “The pension industry continues to evolve and the trusteeship sector sits at the very core of the relationship with members and sponsor, playing an incredibly important role. I look forward to working with my new Dalriada colleagues on the challenges ahead.”
Race heads for Van Lanschot Kempen
Fiduciary management provider Van Lanschot Kempen Investment Management has hired Patrick Race from Isio as managing director, effective 1 February.
At Isio, Race was a founding partner, helping lead the company’s spin-off from KPMG. He has also worked at Mercer.
In his new role, Van Lanschot Kempen said Race would focus on working with pension scheme with more than £1bn in assets to help develop bespoke long-term investment strategies.
Nikesh Patel, head of UK client solutions at Van Lanschot Kempen, said: “There are currently many changes in the UK pension industry, and it is absolutely crucial that trustees and corporates receive a comprehensive overview of the available options (including protected run-on, consolidation, etc) so they can make the best decision. Patrick’s experience will be invaluable in this regard.”
