Pensions UK has appointed Smart UK chief executive, Jamie Fiveash, as the new chair of the association.

Fiveash will start a three-year term on 1 July 2026. He succeeds Emma Douglas, who is stepping down to take up her new position as chair of The Pensions Regulator.

Fiveash has over 30 years of experience across financial services and over 15 years of c-suite and board-level leadership.

As chief executive of Smart UK, Fiveash leads the £9.5bn Smart Pension master trust with two million customers.

Previously, he was chief operating officer at The People's Partnership.

Fiveash began his second term on the Pensions UK board in October 2023.

Commenting on the news, Fiveash said he was honoured to be appointed at “such a pivotal time for the industry”.

“The sector is transforming rapidly, with significant momentum from government and industry towards improving saver outcomes following the Pensions Commission’s interim report and the Pension Schemes Act," he continued.

“My focus will be on strengthening our collective voice across our membership base to drive forward policy and innovation that delivers the best possible retirement outcomes for savers across the country.”

Pensions UK chief executive, Julian Mund, added: “Jamie is widely respected across the pensions sector for his leadership, technical expertise and unwavering focus on savers’ long-term interests. His experience at Smart Pension, coupled with his deep understanding of the wider policy and regulatory landscape, makes him an exceptional choice as chair.”

Mund thanked Emma Douglas for her outstanding contribution to Pensions UK.

Pension UK outgoing chair, Emma Douglas, said it had been “a privilege” to serve Pensions UK and to work alongside such a committed and talented community across the pensions industry.

Pensions UK is recruiting for a new chair for its Policy Board to succeed John Chilman, who is retiring from the role, but remaining on Pensions UK’s Board until the end of his term in October 2027.

The association is also recruiting at least one non-executive director from among its members, as well as an independent non-executive director to succeed Dave Coplin, whose second three-year term on the Pensions UK Board is coming to an end.

Pensions UK said more information on these roles will be released in coming weeks.

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