Brunel Pension Partnership has appointed Patrick Newberry to replace Sally Bridgeland as chair.

Bridgeland, who joined Brunel in 2023, is stepping down to allow for “a different leadership with the right experience” to guide the pool through a period of negotiation and structural change. Newberry, a long-standing Brunel board member, will assume the role from 1 August 2025. A former senior partner at PwC with significant transaction experience, Newberry joined Brunel in spring 2019, shortly after the pool received FCA authorisation. He has since overseen key phases of its development, including the launch of portfolios across multiple asset classes and the transition of nearly 90 per cent of client assets. Brunel CEO, Laura Chappell, said: “I would like to thank Sally for her wide-ranging contribution to Brunel, and we wish her all the very best. The focus of the role has now significantly changed, and I am pleased that Patrick has agreed to take it on at a critical moment in our partnership’s journey. His experience of guiding organisations through similar processes will be invaluable. I look forward to working even more closely with Patrick through the next phase.”

PPF names Richard Beaven as permanent chief operating officer (COO).

The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) has confirmed the appointment of Richard Beaven as COO, following five months in the role on an interim basis. Beaven brings extensive leadership experience across finance, operations, people, IT and digital transformation. His previous roles span several global financial services firms, including Lloyds Banking Group, Reuters, Bank of New York and Barclays. Commenting on the appointment, PPF CEO, Michelle Ostermann, said: “Richard has already made a huge impact at the PPF, so I am thrilled that he will be staying in the role of COO permanently. His experience and insight are critical to the success of our 2025-28 strategy, enabling us to adapt to changing technology and new challenges and evolve how we run the business.” Beaven added: “The PPF is a truly purpose-led business, which lives and breathes its values. It has a deep range of skills, knowledge and capabilities and a passion for its members. I am honoured to lead the shared services function and be part of the PPF’s executive team.”

Pensions UK has appointed two new deputy directors.

Pensions UK has appointed Dirk Paterson and Matthew Blakstad to newly created deputy director roles, as it expands its policy, research and advocacy capabilities. Paterson joins as deputy director of external affairs. A senior communications and strategy leader with over 25 years’ experience, he was most recently customer director at the Business Banking Resolution Service. His previous roles include founding a corporate communications agency specialising in pensions and financial services, and leading public policy and advocacy at Nest. Meanwhile, Blakstad takes up the role of deputy director of strategic policy and research. He brings over two decades of experience in pensions and savings, including previous roles at PwC and Talking People, and helped deliver state and workplace pensions reforms during his time at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). He is also a co-founder of Nest Insight, where he led research influencing UK financial policy. The appointments come as Pensions UK prepares for the introduction of the Pension Schemes Bill and the launch of the Pensions Commission.

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