The Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) has named Barnett Waddingham partner Steve Hitchiner as its next president.
The two-year term begins on June 1, 2022. Steve Hitchiner takes over as president from James Riley, a former partner of Isio, who has held the position since June 1, 2020.
Riley has led the Society during a period of substantial change, both within the pensions industry and within the Society itself, over the last two years. Bringing the industry together on the Dashboard and the SPP’s development as an organisation under CEO Fred Emden’s leadership are two examples.
Hitchiner is a partner with Barnett Waddingham, where he has worked for nearly 20 years as a pension advisor. Hitchiner is a member of Barnett Waddingham’s Actuarial Consulting Board, which is in charge of client service and practice area strategy. He’s also a former chairman of the firm’s Pensions Actuarial Technical Committee, which conducts research and provides technical assistance to the entire organisation.
Hitchiner will focus on influencing developing policies and ensuring that DC members’ needs are met, according to SPP.
Hitchiner says: “I would like to offer my sincere appreciation to outgoing president James Riley for his outstanding dedication, spirit, and enthusiasm towards the Society over his tenure. Alongside Fred Emden, he has guided the SPP, building a stellar foundation for me to continue the SPP’s valuable work during my tenure as president.
“Over the course of my presidency, I intend to continue the SPP’s strong track record of influencing policy and provoking debate in the industry. I believe this is fundamental to get the best outcomes for our members, their clients and ultimately pension scheme members. I have a particular interest in the new funding regime, combined governance code, dashboards, superfunds, GMP equalisation, ESG and climate reporting, which I believe are all critical issues on which SPP can and should be taking a leading role.
“However, it is important that our industry doesn’t focus solely on running off legacy DB schemes, and outcomes for DC members needs to be a priority for the SPP. Improving adequacy and providing the right information is an important part of this. But we also need more options for DC members to provide greater certainty and risk-sharing in retirement”
SPP chief executive Fred Emden says: “It has been a privilege to work with James during his time as president and the growth of the SPP during his tenure is a testament to his leadership. I very much look forward to working with Steve and this next phase of strategic development. I am confident that he will further the progress made to date and continue to drive positive change within the Society and the industry at large.”
