The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) has elected Paul Couchman as its new president, who will take over from Susan Andrews at PMI's annual general meeting in July.

PMI's vice presidents will be newly elected Gerry Degaute of the Royal Mail Pension Plan and re-elected Susan Smith of Pi Consulting.

Couchman is managing director of Premier Pensions, a benefits and actuarial firm, and was elected to the PMI Council in 2007 and was re-elected in 2011.

He was elected vice president in 2009 for a two year term, and was elected for a further two year term in 2011.

Vince Linnane, CEO of the PMI, said: "Couchman has a vast experience at both Mercer and more recently Premier of actually running a business, which will be invaluable to the PMI going forward and I am sure that he will bring the same market acumen and commercial drive to the role of PMI President. I look forward to working alongside him during his term of office."

He added: "I am also pleased to welcome Degaute back to a second stint as a PMI Officer, having been Honorary Treasurer between 1999 and 2001. Both, along with existing Vice President Smith, will bring a wide range of experience and skills to the job ahead."

The President will be in place for an initial one year term and can be elected for up to three years.

Couchman said: "Making adequate provision for retirement has never been so important and my goal will be to support our industry professionals to not only meet but exceed the demands placed upon them and to help them to secure best member outcome and pension stability."

First published 23.04.2013

monique_simpson@wilmington.co.uk