01 June 2009 – Two new non-executive directors appointed to the Pensions Regulator

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell, today announced the appointments of Isabel Hudson and Bruce Rigby as non-executive directors of the Pensions Regulator. The appointments start from today and will last for a period of four years.

David Norgrove, Chair of the Pensions Regulator said:

“I am delighted with the appointments of Isabel Hudson and Bruce Rigby and the breadth of experience they will bring to the Regulator.  Their knowledge of pensions and of business will help us continue to develop the strategic direction of the Regulator; both during the current economic pressures and through to the impending reform of workplace pensions.”

Isabel Hudson said:

“The pensions agenda is increasingly important – I am therefore very happy to be joining the Board of the Pensions Regulator and to have the opportunity to contribute to these issues.”

Bruce Rigby said:

“I am delighted by this appointment. The role of the Pensions Regulator will be crucial over the next few years and I look forward to helping work through the significant challenges which lie ahead.”

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. Isabel Hudson has had an extensive career in Financial Services in the Life, Non Life and Pensions industries in a number of senior roles including M&A and as Finance Director. She has worked both in the UK and in Continental Europe. More recently she was an Executive Director of Prudential Assurance UK before leaving to set up Synesis Life, one of the new pension buy-out insurers, which was sold at the end of 2008.
   She is currently a Non Executive Director of QBE, a top 20 global non life insurer, where she has been on the main Board since 2005. She also chairs the Business Development Board of the disability charity, Scope.
2. Bruce Rigby has worked in the UK pension industry for more than 30 years and is now Mercer's Global Chief Retirement Strategist. In this role, he focuses on the development of new and innovative pension offerings. Bruce is an actuary and has held a number of leadership roles with Mercer. Until the end of 2008, Bruce led their global retirement, risk & finance consulting business.
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. Neither candidate is politically active.
4. These are four-year appointments, and the remuneration is ? 20,694 a year (subject to annual review).
5. Neither Isabel Hudson or Bruce Rigby hold any other ministerial public appointments.
6. The appointments have been made in accordance with the OCPA Code of Practice.

 

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