Dunshire, who is a senior partner and fellow of the Institute of Actuaries, replaces Alan Whalley, who retired last summer. She was formerly senior client leader in Mercer’s investments business. Prior to that, she was business leader for Mercer’s Investment Consulting business in theUK for over five years. She has been a member of several leadership teams within Mercer advising on high profile cross-business collaborations, including Mercer’s workplace savings solution.
Dunsire says: “I’m very pleased to be appointed UK chief executive and am looking forward to the challenges ahead. Mercer will continue to provide excellent pensions and benefit advice to our trustee clients, but our market is changing and, in the years ahead, we will be looking to further develop our relationship with companies on all aspects of their people and benefit strategies.
“Companies will continue to need to Mercer’s support in developing effective defined contribution schemes and managing the risk posed by their defined benefit pension schemes. However, we are increasingly being called on to advise companies on how to attract, motivate and manage the best talent.
“Historically, we have been ahead of the competition in delivering products and services that address specific client problems. I can see tremendous opportunity in bringing Mercer’s expertise to bear on the broader issues faced by human resources and finance directors.”
Simon O’Regan, Mercer President for Europe and the Pacific says: “The UK is a key part of our global business. We have grown strongly in the UK in recent years, driven by our commitment to innovation focussed on addressing our clients’ needs. We are excited to have someone of Fiona’s experience and capability to lead our business going forward.”