07 February 2008 – Laurie Edmans reappointed to Regulator role

Secretary of State James Purnell today announced the reappointment of Laurie Edmans as a non-executive director of the Pensions Regulator.

Mr Edmans has already served for three years as a non-executive director and previously held a position on the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (Opra).

Laurie Edmans said:

"I am very pleased to be reappointed. The work of the Pensions Regulator is both important and interesting, and looks set to become even more so, as it will play an important role in the Government's plans for personal accounts."

The Pensions Regulator's chairman David Norgrove said: 

"I am delighted that Laurie Edmans has been reappointed. He has played a key role on the Board overseeing the successful development of the Regulator. I look forward to continuing to work with him in the future."

The Pensions Regulator was established under the Pensions Act 2004. The regulator’s role is to protect the benefits of members of work-based pension schemes, to promote good administration of schemes, and to reduce the risk of situations arising which may lead to claims for compensation from the Pension Protection Fund.

Notes To Editors

1. Laurie Edmans current contract expires on February 7, 2008. His new three year contract will start from 8 February 2008. He will be paid £10, 404 per year for the equivalent of 20 days work per year.
2. He has had a long career in pensions and financial services. He is chairman of the trade association for safe equity release products, SHIP, is on the council of the Pensions Policy Institute, treasurer of the Family and Parenting Institute, and a non-executive director of ‘B different’ a specialist financial services market research firm. Recently, he has also been working with Otto Thoresen on his review of generic financial advice. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ (OCPA) code of practice.
3. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Laurie Edmans engages in no political activity and holds no other public appointments.

Media enquiries: Lynn Eccles 020 3267 5141, Ben Lloyd 020 3267 5136
For Pensions Regulator: media enquiries: Amy Balchin 01273 627207, Andrew Winstone 01273 627752
Press office: 020 3267 5144
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Textphone: 020 3267 5145
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk or www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk