The chief executive of the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), Joanne Segars, has announced she is leaving after 12 years to pursue a portfolio career.

Segars, who was CEO for a decade, will remain in the role until the end of June and will continue to act as the PLSA ambassador until a successor is appointed.

PLSA said in a statement that Segars transformed the organisation during her tenure.

The statement said Segars: "..built its reputation as an organisation with credible and persuasive policy proposals, representing the interests of members with vigour, determination and imagination, and ensured that the Association is a strong and trusted voice in the public conversation."

Segars leaves the PLSA with a membership of more than 1,300 pension schemes, 20 million savers, £1 trillion in assets and 400 businesses providing services to the industry.

She said the highlights of her time there include creating the Pension Quality Mark, establishing the Pensions Infrastructure Platform, increasing the Association's income by 40% and making its conferences and events "the best in the industry."

She said: "I've been privileged to lead fantastic colleagues and members who work tirelessly to provide millions of people with better retirement incomes."

"Along with working with the PLSA's members, I have given the Association a new and wider focus, reflecting the realities of retirement saving today, culminating in the rebranding of the NAPF as the PLSA in 2015."

"I have enjoyed my time here enormously, but after 12 years it is time to move on."

Lesley Williams, the PLSA chair, praised Segars' contribution to the organisation: "Joanne has been an outstanding chief executive and made a huge difference, as she campaigned for a secure future for pensions and pensioners in the UK and the EU.
"We wish her well in this new and exciting phase of her career."

First published 28.04.2017

Lindsay.sharman@wilmingtonplc.com