The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) has appointed 17 industry experts to its policy committees, as the term for some existing members comes to an end.

The PLSA’s four policy committees focus on policy issues for defined benefit (DB), defined contribution (DC), local authority, and master trust pensions, representing PLSA members from these sectors in policy development.

The committees also advise the PLSA policy board, which decides and guides the PLSA’s public policy positions. Each committee is chaired by a policy board member and meets three times a year.

Those joining the DB committee, chaired by SAUL Trustee Company head of technical and communications, Rob Orr, are TPT Retirement Solutions chief executive, David Lane, Plumbing Pensions (UK) Administration head of operations, Stephen Graham, Sackers partner, Philippa Connaughton, and Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) head of corporate communications and external relations, Richard Williams.

Joining the DC committee, chaired by Zedra client director, Joanne Fairburn, are Wealth at Work head of new business, Sarah Long, Standard Life head of workplace business-to-business proposition, Craig Monahan, Rolls-Royce Group head of pensions and benefits, Fiona Brown, and Kingfisher Pensions director, James Chemirmir.

Taking up roles on the local authority committee, chaired by Surrey County Council Neil Mason, are South Yorkshire Pensions Authority head of paid service, George Graham, Kent Pension Fund head of pensions and treasury, Nick Buckland, East Sussex Pension Fund head of pensions, Sian Kunert, West Sussex County Council pension strategist, Rachel Wood, and Lancashire County Council head of fund, Sean Greene.

Appointed to the master trust committee, chaired by Nest director of strategy and corporate affairs, Zoe Alexander, are USS head of strategy and insight, Dean Blower, Aviva Master Trust head, Louise Williamson, Mercer UK DC leader, Suzanne Rose, and Cushon director of policy and research, Steve Watson.

Commenting on the appointments, PLSA chair of policy board, John Chilman, said: “Our policy committees play a vital role in providing deep subject matter expertise on the policy and regulatory initiatives which impact our sector and, by providing a voice for the different segments of the pension landscape, help shape the policy agenda for retirement saving across the UK.

“Together with the rest of the PLSA team, I welcome the new committee members and look forward to the fresh ideas and enthusiasm they will no doubt bring.”

Commenting on his appointment to the DB committee, TPT Retirement Solutions chief executive, David Lane, added: “The PLSA has an essential role in shaping pension policy. 

“I’m looking forward to working with fellow members of the PLSA’s DB committee to share our insight and develop policy positions on the future of schemes. 

“As many DB schemes have seen their funding positions improve in recent years, now is a pivotal time for trustees who are making endgame decisions.

“With the latest Department for Work and Pensions consultation and Mansion House reforms, the government has set the direction of travel towards fewer, larger DB schemes where possible.

“Pensions policy over the next 12 months could be pivotal in influencing whether schemes decide to consolidate, run on, or seek a buyout.”

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