Appointments: LPPI, Railpen, LGPS Central, Isio, Hymans, Cartwright

Local Pensions Partnership (LPP) Investments has appointed Louise Warden as head of real estate and indirect infrastructure as part of a wider set of strategic appointments. 

Warden has been with the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) pool for five years, most recently as head of real estate. In her new role she will oversee the firm’s real estate and infrastructure investment pooling vehicles. 

Elsewhere, the pool has appointed Dev Jadeja as deputy chief investment officer, leading LPP Investments’ indirect investment activities across all asset classes. 

It has also promoted several members of its investment team: 

• Lee Belfield is now investment director for direct infrastructure. 

• Julia Carter has been promoted to portfolio manager for direct infrastructure. 

• Annabel Bates has been confirmed as senior analyst for infrastructure. 

The pool also hired William Edwards in January as deputy portfolio manager in the direct infrastructure team. 

LPP Investments chief executive Chris Rule said: “The LGPS is on the cusp of generational change and we are well-prepared to respond to the opportunities and challenges that presents.” 

Railpen names chief financial officer

The industry-wide pension scheme for the railways sector Railpen has appointed Nick Ranson as chief financial officer and executive director. 

Ranson is a qualified actuary with experience across insurance, fund management, and banking. Most recently, he was a managing director at and global head of financial reporting transformation at Standard Chartered Bank.  

Andy Bord, the £34bn pension scheme’s CEO, said: “Nick brings extensive financial experience and a strong alignment with our culture. He holds a deep belief in Railpen’s purpose to secure our members futures and is committed to positively impacting people and communities beyond commercial success.” 

New exec director at LGPS Central

Anouska Ramsay, chief people and transformation officer at LGPS Central, has joined the pool’s board as an executive director. 

LGPS Central said the appointment reflected Ramsay’s “significant impact” on the development of the pool since joining a year ago. 

Joanne Segars, LGPS Central’s chair, said: “As we rise to the challenge of delivering the government’s Fit for the Future agenda alongside our partner funds, a strong board focused on the needs of our shareholders and clients will be critical.” 

Ex-FCA supervisor joins Isio

Consultancy group Isio has appointed a former Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) supervisory specialist as an adviser. 

Ritchie Thomson is now a strategic adviser to Isio’s regulatory conduct business after a 20-year career at the FCA. This included establishing the regulator’s team overseeing defined benefit pension transfers. He also led the establishment of the ongoing advice review, the findings of which were published last week. 

Isio said Thomson would play a key role in developing strategies to address a range of risks for the firm’s clients. 

“Regulatory expectations are evolving rapidly, and I’m looking forward to leveraging my experience to help our clients navigate complex regulatory challenges and ensure they remain compliant while delivering strong outcomes,” Thomson said. 

Dickson to leave Hymans Robertson

John Dickson is to retire from Hymans Robertson at the end of this month after more than 20 years with the consultancy group. 

He was a senior partner from 2017 to 2023 and held a variety of leadership responsibilities within the business, including head of investment consultancy and chair of the board. 

“I have really enjoyed the last two decades at Hymans Robertson and helping our clients to better understand the needs of their schemes,” Dickson said. “No two days have ever been the same and having the opportunity to work collaboratively with experts across the firm is key to this. 

“I have always believed in working in partnership with our clients – as consultants we have a special opportunity to help them really understand their objectives and improve outcomes for their employees. 

“As I retire it is great to see the firm thriving under the leadership of the current senior partner, Jon Hatchett, and a strong investment team led by its current head, Emma Cameron.” 

Cartwright appoints growth manager

Specialist pensions consultancy firm Cartwright has appointed Carl Rodrigues as growth manager. 

He is a specialist in artificial intelligence and financial technology. In his new role he will help business development across various business lines, Cartwright said.