LONDON, January 24, 2023 – The LifeSight Trustee Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Ellis as its new Chair. Mr Ellis is replacing Jane Platt as she steps down at the end of her second term. This appointment has been cleared by the Pensions Regulator and will be effective 1st February 2023.
Mr Ellis is an experienced Independent Chair and Non-Executive Director. He is currently Chair of Morgan Stanley (ACD) UK, Chair of Vision Independent Financial Planning, a leading IFA network, and a Non-Executive Director of Marlborough Investment Management Ltd.
Prior to these roles, Mr Ellis had a long and successful career in asset management and financial services as a senior business leader at global organisations including HSBC, Legal and General, Fidelity International, AXA and Henderson Global Investors. Mr Ellis has particular expertise in providing financial products and services for retail customers and has been active within The Investment Association, working to improve standards within the industry.
“LifeSight is a shining example of how to run a DC master trust with member needs in mind and it is this that appealed to me, in particular.”
Simon Ellis | Incoming Chair of LifeSight’s UK Trustee Board
Commenting on his appointment, Simon Ellis, incoming Chair of LifeSight’s UK Trustee Board, said:
“I am very excited to be taking up this role on LifeSight’s Trustee Board. LifeSight is a shining example of how to run a DC (defined contribution) master trust with member needs in mind and it is this that appealed to me, in particular.
“In an industry that has matured significantly over the past few years, LifeSight has become one of the largest master trusts in the UK and remained at the cutting edge: as the first master trust to gain authorisation; one of the first to integrate ESG investing principles into its default, a commitment to net zero emissions in its investment portfolio, and one of the best performing master trusts for member engagement and outcomes. It is for these reasons LifeSight has been one of the most successful growth stories of the DC industry over past five years and I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Jane Platt, for the exceptional job she has done in overseeing this progress.”
Jane Platt CBE, outgoing Chair of LifeSight’s UK Trustee Board added:
“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the Lifesight Trustee Board and I am delighted that Simon has been appointed as my successor. His experience and knowledge of the financial services and asset management sectors, and in particular his consumer finance expertise, will enable LifeSight to continue its focus on member outcomes and financial wellbeing. I wish Simon every success in continuing to develop the product innovation, quality of governance and strong member-focus that LifeSight is known for.”
LifeSight is WTW’s master trust, a defined contribution multi-employer pension trust for employers who would benefit from high-quality, low-risk, market-competitive pension provision without the governance burden.
Running a defined contribution pension scheme is becoming complex and costly for a lot of employers. Governance is growing ever more onerous and schemes now have pension flexibilities to contend with. Companies have struggled to find a high-quality alternative that has their employees’ needs at heart. LifeSight offers the best attributes of a trust in an outsourced arrangement. Our unique solution looks after the day-to-day running of the scheme, whilst an independent trustee board looks after the interests of members.
LifeSight gives access to our leading-edge digitalised platform, including the award-winning ageOmeter tool, and administration services. Combined with our proven expertise in investments and communications, LifeSight is the complete package.
At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.
Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success.
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