The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) has appointed Zoe Alexander as its new director of policy and advocacy.

Alexander, who will also join the PLSA Board, will start in her new role on 4 November 2024.

She will take over from current director of policy and advocacy, Nigel Peaple, who is due to step down from the position on 31 August.

The PLSA stated that Peaple will cover the role’s responsibilities on an interim basis as part of his new role as PLSA chief policy counsel until Alexander takes over.

Alexander is currently Nest director of strategy and corporate affairs, and chairs the PLSA’s Master Trust Committee and sits on its Policy Board.

Prior to joining Nest, Alexander led the HM Treasury team that developed the national pensions guidance service Pension Wise.

Before her work at the Treasury, she worked for the Department for Work and Pensions, including a period as the private secretary for pensions to the Secretary of State.

Commenting on her appointment, Alexander said: “I am thrilled to be joining the PLSA at such a pivotal moment for pensions policy. A new government creates space for innovative, long-term policy making that has the potential to really shift the dial for pension savers.

“The PLSA will play a key role in shaping this thinking, and I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead a talented team, building on their strong record of advocacy in savers’ interests.

“I have built my career around improving pension outcomes and I was attracted by the potential this role offers to make an impact across the whole sector. I am very much looking forward to starting work in November.”

PLSA chief executive, Julian Mund, added: “Zoe joins the PLSA at a potentially transformative time for pensions policy. With a review of our retirement savings system and an announcement of a Pensions Schemes Bill, the government has made clear that pension reform will be among its highest priorities.

“Zoe is passionate about improving pension outcomes and already has a deep understanding of the PLSA’s work programme, having been a member of our Policy Board for a number of years.

“She also brings valuable experience of working for a DC giant, as well as from within both the departments covered by the pensions minister’s brief. We are really excited by Zoe’s appointment and looking forward to her joining our team.”

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