Heywood Pension Technologies has announced the death of CEO Fraser Smart who passed away on Wednesday 23rd August following a cancer battle.
Smart joined Heywood as the Chief Strategy Officer in 2021. He was appointed as CEO in 2022, with the responsibility of leading Heywood through its upcoming growth stages.
Sian Jones, who joined Heywood in 2021, will assume the role of Interim CEO.
A spokesperson for Heywood said: “As we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader, we also celebrate the incredible life he lived and the positive impact he had on Heywood and the entire pensions community. His legacy is woven into the fabric of our company culture, where his belief in pushing boundaries and embracing challenges in the pension industry will continue to guide us.
“Fraser’s legacy challenges us to strive for excellence, to be innovative, and to uphold the values he held dear. Our thoughts and love go out to his family during this difficult time.”
Jones says: “Under Fraser’s leadership, Heywood achieved remarkable milestones and forged new paths in the pension sector. Beyond his professional achievements, Fraser’s warmth, humility, dry humour, and genuine concern for his colleagues left an indelible mark on the Heywood family.
“He was not only a leader but also a mentor and a friend. Fraser’s ability to connect with people on a personal level fostered a collaborative and supportive work environment, inspiring teams to perform at their best.”
Heywood chairman Chris Humphrey says: “Fraser has been a remarkable leader for Heywood and will be sorely missed. While Fraser will leave a deep void, we are pleased to have a very strong management team led by Sian. The Board looks forward to working with Sian in her new role as interim CEO and supporting her and the team as they drive Heywood forward.”
