The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that Joanne Segars OBE has been appointed as the new chair of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) for a five-year term, effective from 1 July 2026.

Following the appointment, Segars will succeed Kate Jones, who has been PPF chair since July 2021.

Segars will bring nearly 40 years of executive and non-executive experience in UK pensions and financial services to the role.

She currently holds several board positions, including chair of trustees at Now:Pensions and chair of the independent governance committee (IGC) at Legal & General, and previously held senior leadership roles at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (now Pensions UK) and the Association of British Insurers.

Pensions Minister, Torsten Bell, commented: “Joanne Segars brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role at a pivotal moment for the PPF as we undertake the biggest pension reform in a generation.

“I look forward to working with her to ensure the PPF continues to deliver for the millions of people who depend on it, and to protect the retirement savings of workers across the UK.”

He also thanked Kate Jones for her public service and leadership at the PPF.

Segars added she was delighted to be appointed to the position and was looking forward to working with the PPF board, CEO, executive and wider teams to support the organisation as it “continues to develop and evolve in the long-term interests of those it serves”.

She continued: “With the PPF’s strong foundations and clear sense of purpose, I am committed to ensuring we continue to deliver for members, strengthen long-term resilience, and help shape the future of the pensions landscape.”

The PPF is run by an independent Board and is accountable to parliament through the Secretary of State for the DWP.

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