The latest hires, promotions and appointments for the week ending 14 March 2025.
Brightwell, the service provider for the BT Pension Scheme, has appointed Paula Walter as a non-executive director.
Walter has more than 20 years of experience in technology, digital, data and information security within the financial services industry, including senior roles at Newton Investment Management, Ruffer, Aldermore Group and Goldman Sachs International.
Denise Le Gal, chair of Brightwell, said: “Paula’s extensive experience in technology and risk management will add further breadth and depth to our board. In addition to her technical expertise, her strategic leadership, and ability to navigate complex challenges will be hugely valued.”
LGA names Donnelly’s successor
Clair Alcock has been named as the new head of pensions at the Local Government Association (LGA).
Alcock succeeds Jo Donnelly, who will take over as chief executive officer of the London Pension Funds Authority next month.
Alcock also takes over as secretary to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Advisory Board. She will take up the roles on 19 May.
She worked as a senior adviser to the LGA between 2014 and 2021, and established the advisory board for the Firefighters Pension Scheme as well as national pension teams for the police and fire services.
Alcock said: “I am looking forward to re-joining LGA and getting to know new and old colleagues at this highly exciting time for LGPS and the Scheme Advisory Board.
“I’m ambitious for my new team who are already highly valued for their leadership and expertise across LGPS and the Firefighters Pension Scheme, and I’m looking forward to the next few months and years ahead.”
Aviva promotes business development head
Aviva has appointed Saffron Lovell as head of business development for workplace pensions.
Lovell was previously a business development director and has worked for Aviva since 2006.
Saffron Lovell said: “I’m thrilled to be given the privilege of leading our outstanding business development team as we continue to build on our success in the workplace pensions market. I’m looking forward to the new opportunities this role will bring, working with our expert people and innovative propositions.”
Trafalgar House boosts tech expertise
Administration provider Trafalgar House has hired Iain Armour as business solutions architect.
In his new role, Armour will focus on innovation in technology for Trafalgar House’s systems.
Garry Wake, managing director at Trafalgar House, said: “Designing and developing innovative, resilient solutions to meet these demands is a formidable task. Iain’s background in technology rather than pensions brings a fresh perspective to the business, which is a significant advantage.”
Armour previously worked for RBS where he held senior technology architecture leadership roles.
Charles Stanley adds to fiduciary management team
Charles Stanley has appointed Chris Haywood as a senior portfolio manager within its fiduciary management team.
He joins from XPS Group where he was a senior investment consultant, providing investment advice for advisory and fiduciary management oversight clients. Haywood also helped develop XPS’s fiduciary management oversight and LGPS services.
