The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association has appointed Zoe Alexander as its new director of policy and advocacy.
Alexander joins from Nest, where she is currently director of strategy and corporate affairs. Prior to this she led the HM Treasury team that set up the national pensions guidance service, Pension Wise.
Alexander will start the new role in November, and will replace Nigel Peaple, the current director. Peaple was due to step down at the end of August but will cover these responsibilities on an interim basis as part of his new role as the PLSA’s first chief policy counsel.
Alexander has considerable experience in government and the pensions industry. Before helping to set up Pension Wise she worked for the Department for Work and Pensions, which included a period as the private secretary for pensions to the Secretary of State.
Alexander also currently chairs the PLSA’s Master Trust Committee and sits on its policy board.
PLSA chief executive Julian Mund says: “[Alexander] 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.
“Alexander 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.”
Alexander adds: “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.”
