Independent Governance Group (IGG) has appointed Andrew McIlhinney as a trustee director.
He joins from DLA Piper, where he was a partner in the firm’s Leeds office and led its Yorkshire pensions practice. He has advised trustees and corporates on pensions law throughout his career. He is a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales and a longstanding member of the Association of Pension Lawyers.
He will be based in IGG’s Manchester office and joins the firm’s regional team supporting its growing client base across the North West, Yorkshire and beyond. He will take up the role on 7 September.
According to IGG, the appointment follows increased client demand for professional trustees with legal expertise, as pension schemes face a complex regulatory environment and stronger funding positions create more complex long-term strategic decisions.
IGG trustee director Andrew McIlhinney says: “After more than 20 years advising trustee boards and being a Trustee myself, I’m looking forward to sitting on the other side of the table on more schemes. Buyout is no longer the automatic destination it once was, and the rules governing what schemes can do with a stronger funding position are still being written. Much of that comes down to the detail of each scheme’s own deed and rules, alongside regulation and legislation, which is where I have spent most of my career. I look forward to working with sponsors, trustees and members across the North West and more widely to help navigate increasingly complex long-term strategic scenarios.”
IGG chief commercial officer Grant Suckling says: “Andrew’s hire further deepens the quality of talent here at IGG. His skillset and experience will be invaluable to clients navigating a changing landscape. When it comes to pensions, legal and regulatory risk should be high up the boardroom agenda. As a risk you cannot hedge, you should have the right expertise in the room such as that Andrew brings. I’m pleased to welcome him, and to be adding that strength as we continue to expand our presence in our regional hubs.”