Joanne Segars, chief executive of the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF), has been elected as chair of the European Federation for Retirement Provision (EFRP).

She was elected to the position by members of the EFRP during the general assembly meeting in Dublin earlier this week. Segars will succeed Patrick Burke, director of Irish Life investment managers and will take on the role's responsibilities with immediate effect.

Her appointment comes at a time when the European Union is playing an increasingly active role in the field of pensions.

Segars will lead the Federation for a period of two years and will remain chief executive of the NAPF.

During the same meeting members also agreed to rename the organisation PensionsEurope. The new name will be launched at the European Pension Funds Congress in Frankfurt on 20 November.

Segars said: "I am delighted and honoured to have been elected as chair of the EFRP, and to be the first woman to hold the position. I would like to pay tribute to the work of Patrick Burke, out-going chairman, for his leadership of the EFRP over the past two years, which has ensured the organisation continues to go from strength to strength.

"The next few years will be critical for the future direction of pensions in Europe and to the retirement prospects of Europe's citizens. Challenges will arise from proposals on pensions portability, the role of pension funds as long-term investors in a continuing tough economic environment and, of course, the review of the IORP Directive.

"Together with the two new vice-chairs, I look forward to working with the EFRP's chief executive, Matti Leppala, his team and the EFRP's member organisations to ensure that the Federation's voice continues to be heard and that it plays a leading role in promoting secure, adequate and sustainable workplace pensions across Europe.

"The EFRP will continue to speak for all forms of workplace pensions in Europe, whether defined benefit, defined contribution, or hybrid."

Mark Hyde Harrison, NAPF chairman, commented on the appointment of his colleague saying: "The EU is having an increasing influence over UK pensions, and I am very pleased that Joanne has taken the helm of the EFRP. In her new role she will help the NAPF build stronger relationships with its European counterparts by putting UK pensions at the heart of Europe."
 

First published 13.11.2012
azeevalkink@wilmington.co.uk