Major workplace pension provider Nest has beefed up its investment board with the appointment of chair Sally Bridgeland.
The provider manages the savings of its 13 million members with an in-house team, rather than outsourcing investment decisions and processes. The role of chair will be key to enhancing investment strategy and governance.
Around a third of the working population has a Nest pension, making it the largest UK workplace scheme.
Bridgeland will provide independent oversight in a revamped governance structure and will take responsibility for overseeing the ongoing evolution of Nest Invest.
As an experienced chair, non-executive director, and committee chair, Bridgeland brings heavy weight experience to her Nest post. She has worked across insurance, pensions, asset management, and investments as an adviser, trustee, and non-executive director.
She trained as an actuary and has previously developed governance for developing organisations in regulated environments.
Most recently, she held roles at Royal London, the Local Pensions Partnership, and Impax Asset Management. Currently, she serves on the boards of the Development Bank of Wales, BelleVie, Pension Insurance Corporation, and RSA Insurance.
Brendan McCafferty, chair of Nest, said: “[Bridgeland’s] extensive experience and expertise in the investment sector will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our governance and strategic oversight.
“She has previously played a part in Nest’s success, serving as a member of Nest’s trustee board so I know her leadership will play a crucial role in ensuring that Nest Invest continues its evolution into a world-class investment function, aligned with the best interests of our members.”
Bridgeland commented: “Having been a member of Nest Corporation’s trustee board in the past, Nest’s purpose resonates deeply with me and my desire to support the underserved low- to moderate-income savers in the UK. Nest’s mission aligns closely with my own principles.
“I look forward to working with the team to enhance our investment strategy and governance framework, to meet the objectives set by the Nest board and provide the best possible outcomes for Nest members.”
Nest was set up by the government to support the delivery of auto enrolment.
