Pensions UK has appointed four new non-executive directors to its board, strengthening the organisation’s governance and bringing new expertise from across the pensions industry.
Joining the Board are Rachel Brothwood, executive director at West Midlands Pension Fund; Patrick Heath-Lay, CBE, chief executive officer at People’s Partnership; David Lane, chief executive officer at TPT Retirement Solutions; and Katharine Photiou, managing director, workplace savings at L&G
Brothwood has been appointed chair of Pensions UK’s influential Policy Board, succeeding John Chilman, who will continue to serve on the Pensions UK Board until the end of his term in October 2027. She brings extensive experience of public sector pensions, investment governance and policy development. Carol Young, Chief Executive of USS, will step down in October 2026.
Heath-Lay, CBE, has served as Chief Executive of People’s Partnership since 2012, leading one of the UK’s largest workplace pension providers and overseeing significant growth in membership and assets under management.
Lane has over 35 years’ experience across the UK financial services and pensions sectors, including over a decade at TPT, and brings deep industry expertise and insight into the UK workplace pensions landscape.
Photiou is responsible for one of the UK’s largest workplace pensions businesses at L&G. With more than 30 years’ experience across pensions and employee benefits, she has held senior leadership roles across the industry and is a recognised advocate for improving retirement outcomes.
Pensions UK chair Jamie Fiveash says: “These appointments further strengthen our Board at a pivotal time for pensions policy and regulation. Patrick, Rachel, David and Katharine each bring a different perspective and deep expertise which will help us challenge constructively, think strategically and ensure Pensions UK remains firmly focused on the needs of its members and pension savers.
“I was enormously impressed by the quality of candidates throughout the recruitment process and I am particularly pleased that these appointments bring fresh perspectives from across our industry to the centre of Pensions UK’s governance.”
Pensions UK chief executive Julian Mund says: “The pensions sector is going through a period of significant change and opportunity. Having strong and diverse voices around our Board table is essential if we are to continue representing our members effectively and shape a pensions system that delivers better outcomes for savers.”
Brothwood says: “It’s a privilege to take on this role at such an important time for our industry. With significant reform underway, we have a responsibility to make sure that change ultimately helps our pensions system to evolve as we build and protect financial futures.”
Heath-Lay says: “I’m honoured to be invited to join the Board of Pensions UK and further support its vital work during such a transformational time for the industry. Strong voices are not only needed on behalf of this key sector in the economy but also the millions of hard-working savers up and down the country who rely upon us to help them achieve the kind of retirement they hope for.”
Lane says: “The UK pensions landscape is evolving rapidly as new, innovative propositions are entering the market with the aim of delivering better retirement outcomes for savers. In this context, Pensions UK has a vital role to play in bringing together those voices and I look forward to working with colleagues across the Board, and its wider membership, to help shape the future of UK pensions.”
Photiou says: “I am delighted to be joining the Board of Pensions UK at an important time for the pensions industry. There is a real opportunity to build on the progress already made by helping more people engage with their savings, make informed choices and feel better prepared for retirement.”