Aviva and L&G appoint new IGC chairs

Effective October 1, 2026, Aviva has named Mark Thompson as the new chair of its UK Life and Pensions Independent Governance Committee (IGC). With nearly four decades in pensions, Thompson currently leads trustee boards for both the Prudential Staff Pension Scheme and the M&G Staff Pension Scheme.

Thompson said: “This is a fascinating time to be joining Aviva’s Independent Governance Committee. Workplace pensions have never been more important to people’s financial futures, and strong governance plays a vital role in ensuring savers receive good value and outcomes.”

Aviva’s IGC Appointment

Simon Ellis, workplace pensions director at Aviva, added: “Mark brings a wealth of pensions, investment and governance expertise gained over a distinguished career spanning some of the UK’s largest pension schemes. His experience and independent perspective will be invaluable as the IGC continues its important role in challenging and supporting Aviva to deliver good customer outcomes. Workplace pensions are evolving rapidly making strong governance more important than ever. We look forward to working closely with Mark and the wider IGC as we continue to help millions of customers save with confidence for their future.”

Thompson succeeds Colin Richardson, who is stepping down from the role after completing his term as chair. Thompson’s appointment comes as the pensions industry continues to evolve, with a growing focus on strong governance and customer outcomes.

Meanwhile, Gary Smith has joined L&G’s Independent Governance Committee, succeeding outgoing chair Daniel Godfrey. Smith has over 35 years of experience in pensions and has previously held senior roles at Schroders, Willis Towers Watson, and BlackRock.

L&G’s IGC Appointment

Joanne Segars OBE, Chair of L&G’s Independent Governance Committee, said: “Gary’s extensive pensions industry experience will bring valuable insight as we continue to oversee and challenge the value members receive from L&G’s workplace pension arrangements. I would also like to thank Daniel Godfrey for his significant contribution over the past nine years and for the positive challenge and commitment he has brought to the committee throughout his tenure.”

Smith added: “I look forward to bringing my experience to the committee’s work and supporting L&G in delivering good outcomes for members, with a continued focus on positive member experiences and strong value for the costs and charges they pay.”

For the people most affected by these appointments, the impact will be felt in the continued focus on strong governance and customer outcomes. As the pensions industry continues to evolve, the role of independent governance committees will become increasingly important in ensuring that savers receive good value and outcomes.

Zedra Inside Pensions has also made several new appointments, including Diane Humble as head of corporate pension consulting, bringing over 15 years of experience in senior roles at EY, Mercer, and JLT. Humble will support pension schemes and sponsoring employers’ strategic decision-making, helping clients deal with the complex pensions environment while ensuring that smaller schemes receive the specialist support they need.

Humble has extensive experience developing and implementing liability management solutions, buy-in and buy-out strategies, and journey planning programmes, with a specialty in smaller pension schemes. Humble said: “I am passionate about ensuring that smaller schemes receive the support and expertise they deserve. These schemes often face the same complex decisions as larger arrangements but can feel underserved by the market. I look forward to helping clients develop practical, effective strategies while contributing to the continued growth of Aptia’s consulting business.”

Senior Hires at Gallagher

Kate-Hulme Vickerstaff and Mark Rowlinson have joined Gallagher’s benefits and HR consulting division, Gallagher Benefit Services, as part of the UK executive leadership team. Hulme-Vickerstaff joins as chief operating officer, working closely with the senior leadership team to turn strategy into operational priorities and measurable outcomes.

Mark Rowlinson will take on the role of head of IT (Platforms), leading platform strategy and responsible AI adoption, and overseeing the strategic direction, governance and ongoing evolution of the technology platforms that support the UK’s growth ambitions. Both appointments reflect Gallagher’s commitment to recognizing and developing leadership talent from across its acquired businesses.

David Piltz, chief executive officer of Gallagher’s benefits and HR consulting division, noted that strong operational leadership and technology innovation will be critical to the company’s success, and Hulme-Vickerstaff and Rowlinson are well-placed to drive that forward. The appointments are part of Gallagher’s continued growth and expansion in the benefits and HR consulting sector.