The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association has announced Richard Butcher, PTL managing director, will become its new Chair.

Butcher will succeed Lesley Williams, whose two-year tenure will end at the PLSA annual conference in Manchester in October.

With a career that spans more than 30 years in the pensions industry, Butcher is the current managing director of PTL.

PTL provides independent governance services to clients across the UK, with a focus on pension schemes.

Butcher said he is "proud and humbled" to take over the position from Lesley Williams.

"Lesley is a great Chair and champion of the pensions industry," he said, "Looking to the future, I intend to build on the hard work of the association members, the councils and committees, and the executives of the PLSA to make sure we continue to inform the debate, and represent the views and interests of our members."

Williams became PLSA Chair in October 2015, after becoming a council member in 2009.

She said it has been a "pleasure and privilege" to hold the position: "I am pleased to hand over this unique role to someone of Richard's experience and calibre."

"Richard and I have worked closely together on the board of PLSA for some years, I know his knowledge and insight will be a considerable asset to the organisation."

"He will be invaluable as the PLSA continues to push for market innovation and represents members' views in Whitehall and Westminster," she said.

The announcement comes just weeks before PLSA chief executive Joanne Segars leaves her post after more than 10 years (PFi 27 April).

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.

First published 01.06.2017

Lindsay.sharman@wilmingtonplc.com