Pensions UK has appointed 21 industry experts to its policy committees as part of a refresh of its governance structure.

The new members will join the organisation’s Defined Benefit (DB), Defined Contribution (DC), Master Trust and Local Authority Committees, following the conclusion of several existing members’ terms.

The four committees provide subject-matter expertise across key areas of the pensions landscape, helping to shape policy development and ensure the perspectives of workplace pension schemes, providers and advisers are reflected in the organisation’s work.

Each committee meets three times a year and serves in an advisory capacity to the Pensions UK Policy Board.

Joining the DB Committee are Just Group head of DB proposition development, Andy Fryer; BAE Systems senior counsel, Edward Banister; HSBC global head of pensions risk, Louise Witts; Legal & General head of insurance and endgame solutions, Mathew Webb; Travers Smith partner, Niamh Hamlyn; Linklaters partner, Philip Goss; PI Partnership Group consultant and scheme secretary, Rob Durbin; and LCP partner, Zoe Burdo.

The Master Trust Committee has welcomed three new members: TPT Retirement Solutions head of policy and external affairs, Ruari Grant; EY partner, Paul Kitson; and Aegon head of pensions, Kate Smith.

Meanwhile, three new members have also joined the Local Authority Committee: London Pension Fund Authority pensions director, Lana Watson; Essex Pension Fund head of fund administration and operations, Daniel Chessel; and South Yorkshire Pension Fund assistant director of pensions strategy, Andrew Stone.

Meanwhile, the DC Committee has appointed seven new members: Standard Life trustee director, Alastair Black; WTW retirement director, Anne Jones; FirstGroup/First Bus head of pensions, Muntazir Hadadi; LCP partner, Stephen Budge; Aviva workplace benefits policy manager, Dale Critchley; Travers Smith partner, David James; and Lloyds Banking Group trustee strategic project lead, Lissa McGown.

Pensions UK executive director of policy and advocacy, Zoe Alexander, said the committees would play a key role in shaping the organisation’s policy positions.

“Our committees bring together a range of expert practitioners from across our diverse membership,” she stated.

“They play a crucial role in ensuring we have a broad perspective when shaping our policy positions on behalf of savers.

"I am pleased to welcome the new members, whose deep expertise and fresh perspectives will help drive forward our work at a pivotal time for pensions policy and regulation in the UK.”

Pensions UK added that its governance structure was designed to support its mission of helping people achieve better retirement incomes.

The organisation’s board oversees strategy, resources and overall performance, while the policy board sets public policy positions across pensions and lifetime savings.

Supporting this work, the four policy committees focus on sector-specific issues across DB, DC, master trust, and local authority pensions, advising the policy board and ensuring member representation in policy development.

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