Minister for Pensions makes new appointments to the Nest Board

The Minister for Pensions has made five appointments to the Nest Board. These include specialists in investment management, sustainable finance, customer experience, and risk. 

Appointed for his extensive experience in investment management, Michael Gordon has more than 30 years of industry experience. He currently serves as an independent director for Yarra Capital Management. His previous experience includes executive roles at Perpetual Investments, Fidelity International, BNP Paribas, and Schroders Australia, along with board experience at Total Risk Management Pty. Limited (trustee of a successful Australian defined contribution superannuation fund).

Catherine Howarth joins the Nest Board as a recognised leader in responsible investment. She is Chief Executive of ShareAction and a member of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Sustainable Finance Committee. Her board experience with TPT Retirement Solutions and the Scott Trust, coupled with her recognition as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, underscores her commitment to driving positive change in the financial sector.

Faith Reynolds brings to Nest a strong commitment to using data and technology to better serve consumer needs. She has extensive experience in financial services, regulation, and Open Banking and Smart Data. Currently, Faith serves as a non-executive director at Fair4All Finance, sits on the government’s Smart Data Council and holds several advisory roles within industry and academia focused on innovation for public good.

Howard Walpole brings more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry to the Nest Board. As an actuary with significant risk management expertise, Howard has held key roles at Direct Line Group and Lloyds. He currently serves on the Regulatory Standards and Codes Committee of the Financial Reporting Council.

Stuart White has been appointed to the Nest Board for his extensive experience in investment management. Stuart is currently a Board Director at HSBC Global Asset Management Ltd. and serves as CEO of HSBC Global Asset Management (UK) Ltd. He has also spent the last 10 years as a Trustee Director of the £30 billion HSBC Bank Pension Trust (UK) Limited, where he chaired the Investment Committee.

Commenting on the new Board appointments, Brendan McCafferty, Chair of Nest, said:

“I am pleased to welcome Stuart, Howard, Faith, Catherine, and Michael to the Nest Board. 

“The depth and breadth of knowledge they bring, in areas from investment and risk management, sustainable finance, to consumer financial services, will support the Board in navigating the complexities of today’s financial landscape with confidence and foresight.

“I look forward to seeing how their contributions will enhance our governance and drive forward our commitment to excellence in delivering financial peace of mind for our members.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to Chris Hitchen for his service, dedication, and significant contributions to the Board and particularly the Investment Committee throughout his tenure.”

Chris Hitchen stepped down from the Nest Board on 31 May 2024 at the end of his tenure.