The Society of Pension Professionals has appointed Fred Emden as its first chief executive.
The SPP is a trade body, representing companies that advise and provide services to work-based pension schemes and sponsors. Its member firms include accounting firms, solicitors, life offices, investments houses, trustees, consultants and actuaries.
Emden has not previously worked in the pension industry, but has held senior roles as the deputy chief executive for both the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Scottish Ballet.
Emden will work with the president and the SPP council to formulate and review the society’s strategic priorities and objectives to ensure appropriate mechanisms are in place to deliver value to members.
The society’s primary purpose is to provide services for its members, both as firms and individuals. These services include access to industry knowledge, contact with the society’s specialist sub-committees to consult on technical issues, roundtables, evening meetings, engagement with policymakers and regulators, and the annual conference.
Emden will also act as one of the key spokespeople and representatives for the society both at member events and with external engagements.
President of the SPP Paul McGlone welcomed the appointment saying it came at a critical juncture for both the society and the pensions industry.
He says: “When I took on the role of president in 2018, my goal was to expand what the SPP does, deliver more value to our members, and to modernise how we deliver those services.”
He said appointing a CEO and making changes to the society’s structure was a key way to deliver this.
McGlone adds: “With numerous pension initiatives having been delayed due to Brexit, 2020 looks set to be an extremely busy year for pensions. Our proactive engagement with the pensions industry will seek to help our members help their clients, and ultimately pension savers.”
Emden adds: “I hope to build on all of the great work performed by the society to date, focusing on delivering value to the membership and to the industry as a whole.
“I am keen to develop how key information is collated and accessed and I greatly look forward to meeting our varied stakeholders, to hear their views and priorities.”