Appointments: PIC’s chief exec to retire; SEI adds DC expertise

Tracy Blackwell will retire as CEO of Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC) after almost 20 years with the specialist bulk annuity provider.

Blackwell will stay in post to assist with the transition to a new chief executive, with the board having launched a search for her successor.

She joined PIC as its first chief investment officer in 2006, and was appointed to the board in 2011. She has led the insurer as CEO since 2015.

David Weymouth, chair of the PIC board, praised Blackwell’s “long and distinguished career” and “significant contribution” to the company and the wider pensions industry.

Blackwell said: “It has been a privilege to work at, and lead, PIC. I never imagined, when we started the business nearly 20 years ago, that the company would grow into the market leader it is today.

“I am so proud of what we have achieved together, and it has only been possible because of the dedication, commitment and talent of the people at PIC. I look forward to watching the business continue to grow.”

PIC is now one of the biggest providers of defined benefit pensions in the UK, with more than £47bn in assets under management and 348,000 policyholders.

SEI adds defined contribution expertise

SEI has appointed Leila Samara as client relationship director of defined contribution (DC), responsible for managing client relationships within the SEI Master Trust.

She joins from Fidelity International where she held several senior product and client positions. Samara has also worked in DC and consulting roles at Mercer, Barclays, Willis Towers Watson, and XPS Group.

Steve Charlton, managing director of DC at SEI, said: “Amid continued evolution within the pensions industry, members and employers are seeking a master trust that offers them stability and best-in-breed services.

“While less resilient schemes have scaled back, we’ve focused on growth. Investing in our talent is an important component of driving growth, and we’re thrilled to welcome Leila to the SEI team.

“Leila’s deep understanding of client needs, combined with her experience and knowledge that spans all aspects of the master trust landscape, will be invaluable as we continue to deliver premier client services.”

PMI promotes five as overhaul continues

The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) has promoted five staff to senior positions as it continues a strategic transformation of its operating model.

Francesca Garrett-Levy has been promoted to operations director. She has worked at the PMI for more than 10 years since joining in 2013 as a qualifications administrator.

Charlie Culley has been promoted to business development manager. He joined in 2022 as a business development executive.

Hester Potiuk has been promoted to head of events. She also joined the PMI in 2022, as a marketing and events executive, and runs the institute’s conferences and other events.

Lisa Hampton has been promoted to training manager. She joined the PMI in 2023 from the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, initially as a training developer and administrator.

Vanessa Jackson has been promoted to head of qualifications, and has also been appointed deputy responsible officer – ensuring the PMI’s qualifications comply with national regulations. She joined the PMI in 2019 as a qualifications manager.

The PMI said these promotions would help the development of its academy and Global Innovation Centre.