Appointments: Citrus, Hymans Robertson, Scottish Widows, WPS

Defined benefit master trust Citrus has appointed Sally Martin as pensions manager.

Martin has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry in in-house pension roles. She has had responsibility for devising, setting and implementing pensions policy in the UK for companies and trustee boards.

She has also worked with a variety of scheme types, acting as a trustee and trustee secretary.

At Citrus, Martin will oversee the master trust’s service proposition and support the trustee board and secretary.

Marcus Hurd, chair of the Citrus trustee board, said: “Managing DB pension schemes is a complex undertaking and the increased interest in the master trust solution means this is the right time to make this appointment.

“As one of the UK’s leading master trusts our focus is to represent scheme members and help the employers manage their responsibilities and their costs. Sally will increase the efficiency of the operation, whilst continuing to deliver great service and better outcomes.”

Hymans boosts buyout team

Hymans Robertson has hired two new members to its buyout and wind-up transition services team, based in Birmingham.

Donna Prince joins from Aon where she was an associate partner. She has also been a scheme actuary since 2015.

Nafisha Chowdhury joins from Mercer where she was a project manager at Mercer, and has also worked at Willis Towers Watson, Aon and the West Midlands Police.

Christine Cumming, head of buyout and wind-up transition services at Hymans Robertson, said it was “crucial” that the company increased this part of its offering as more schemes were approaching buyout.

Scottish Widows names quartet to enhance leadership

Scottish Widows has made several senior appointments to its investment leadership team.

Matt Brennan will become head of asset allocation and research when he joins the company in November. He has worked in a range of investment roles at companies including AJ Bell and TCI.

Heather Coulson, who joined Scottish Widows earlier this year from Abrdn, is to take on the role of head of implementation and portfolio management in January.

Mithesh Varsani is also due to join the company in January as head of investment solutions. He is currently chief investment officer at Mobius Life, responsible for creating bespoke investment solutions for institutional pension investors.

Also joining in the new year is Mark Gillan, who will transfer from Valu-Trac to take on the role of head of operations. At Valu-Trac he was head of product governance, responsible for overseeing a range of investment funds. He has also worked for Winterflood and AJ Bell.

Kevin Doran, chief investment officer at Scottish Widows, said: “We are already trusted to look after more than £200bn of our six million customers’ retirement savings, annuities and multi-asset portfolios. With our enhanced team, reach and scale, we’ll use our expertise to guide our customers’ investments and help them financially prepare for their family’s future.”

WPS hires Morris from Deloitte for Midlands role

Advisory firm Western Pension Solutions (WPS) has appointed Greg Morris as a director to lead the Midlands region.

He joins from Isio, and previously worked for Deloitte, and has more than 25 years of consulting experience.

Ben Fowler, founder and managing director of Western Pension Solutions, said: “After establishing WPS in London and the north of England, it has always been our ambition to have a presence in a region that boasts so many outstanding family businesses.

“We have searched patiently over the years for someone who shares our values and has the right blend of experience, passion and expertise. We’ve found that in Greg.”

Lewis joins Sackers as partner

Law firm Sackers has hired Andy Lewis as a partner. He will join on 4 November from Travers Smith, and he has previously worked at Hogan Lovells.

David Saunders, senior partner at Sackers, said: “His current practice, technical expertise and strong client relationship skills align perfectly with the needs of our client base and complement our already strong offering.

“His arrival will further accelerate our strategic ambitions in both the DB and DC spheres, and expand our involvement in DC provider work.”

Parry to step down as Royal London chair

Royal London chair Kevin Parry has resigned his position after serving six years on the mutual company’s board. Deputy chair Lynne Peacock has taken over his responsibilities and will oversee the search for a new chair.

Ross joins People’s in proposition role

People’s Partnership, parent to The People’s Pension master trust, has hired Kirsty Ross as proposition director.

She joins from Aegon where she was head of workplace investment proposition, She has also worked for Royal London and Standard Life.

David Meliveo, chief commercial officer at People’s Partnership, said Ross would lead the company’s next phase of growth and investment as the firm focuses on “how we further differentiate ourselves from other parts of the market, alongside bringing our purpose to life”.