Senior Appointments at Financial Firms

Hymans Robertson has appointed Craig Payne as a principal consultant in its LGPS Governance, Administration and Projects team. The hire comes as the Local Government Pension Scheme undergoes significant changes in governance and administration. Payne brings 20 years of experience in the LGPS, having previously worked at Wiltshire Pension Fund and Greater Gwent (Torfaen) Pension Fund.

Payne will provide solutions and support to pension funds managing these changes. He noted that funds face pressures from existing challenges and the need to future-proof their processes. With the right approach, he said, funds can develop strategies suited to their needs.

Aptia Names New Chief Operating Officer

Aptia has appointed Jo Tyler as its chief operating officer. She joins from Mercer, where she held the same title since 2009. At Mercer, Tyler led large-scale transformation projects, including serving as trustee director for the MMC UK Pension Fund and helping create the Mercer Master Trust.

In her new role, Tyler will oversee Aptia’s operational strategy and delivery. The company provides consultancy, actuarial, and administration services. Aptia’s UK President, Malcolm Reynolds, praised her operational leadership and transformation experience, calling her a “fantastic addition” to the leadership team.

Russell Investments Expands Middle East Presence

Russell Investments has hired Brahim Ben Ammar to lead its Middle East operations. He will be based in Dubai and joins from Banco Santander International. Ben Ammar brings 25 years of experience, primarily in business development, to the role.

His focus will be on expanding Russell Investments’ existing business in the region and supporting key strategic partnerships. Jim Leggate, head of EMEA at Russell Investments, stated that Ben Ammar’s appointment reflects the firm’s commitment to delivering integrated solutions to investors across the Middle East.

Iain McGowan has joined Aegon Asset Management as partnership director. This new role involves strengthening relationships with key UK-based institutional partners from his base in Edinburgh. McGowan was previously Scottish Widows’ director of investments, where he oversaw the firm’s customer investments and partnerships with asset managers.

LGPS Central has appointed Jenny Lewis as its general counsel and company secretary. The appointment follows her previous role as head of legal for the scheme. Lewis will lead the Legal and Governance team at LGPS Central. She will provide strategic counsel to the board, executive and wider business. Her role also involves shaping governance and decision-making across the organisation.

Zedra Announces Governance Advisory Leadership

Sam Burden will lead Zedra’s Governance Advisory Arrangement. He has been with Zedra for nearly five years. The move comes as the pensions industry implements a new value for money framework.

WTW Appoints Head of Strategic Relationships

Hazel Kendrick has taken on a newly created position at WTW, leading the consultancy’s relationships across the professional trustee market. The role spans WTW’s GB pensions businesses. Kendrick commented on the increasing importance of professional trustees in helping schemes manage complexity and risk.