Jamie Fiveash appointed Chair of Pensions UK

28 May 2026, London. Jamie Fiveash, Chief Executive of Smart UK, has been appointed Chair of Pensions UK.

Jamie brings over 30 years of experience across financial services and over 15 years of C-Suite and Board-level leadership. He began his second term on the Pensions UK Board in October 2023.

A qualified accountant and pensions expert, as Chief Executive of Smart UK, Jamie leads the £9.5 billion Smart Pension master trust with 2 million customers. He was previously Chief Operating Officer at The People's Partnership, where he was instrumental in the design and delivery of The People's Pension.

The Chair of Pensions UK is a figurehead and ambassador for all of the issues the organisation represents, providing leadership and strategic guidance to the Board and executive team. Jamie will help guide Pensions UK in delivering our 2030 Ready strategy and the evolution of the organisation to support its members and the delivery of our pensions goals. He commences a three-year term on 1 July 2026, and this can be extended by no more than three further years.

Jamie succeeds Emma Douglas, who is stepping down to take up her new position as Chair of TPR.

Emma has served with distinction during her tenure as Chair since October 2021, guiding Pensions UK through a period of significant policy reform and major structural developments across the pensions landscape. Prior to that, she was Chair of Pensions UK’s influential Policy Board for three years – a period which saw major contributions to policy development on adequacy, value for money and decumulation models, as well as the launch of the Retirement Living Standards.
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Jamie Fiveash, incoming Chair of Pensions UK, said:

“I’m deeply honoured to be appointed Chair of Pensions UK at such a pivotal time for the industry. I am looking forward to working closely with the Board and the wider team to drive forward the vision and strategic plans for the Association. The sector is transforming rapidly, with significant momentum from government and industry towards improving saver outcomes following the Pension Commission’s interim report and the Pension Schemes Act. My focus will be on strengthening our collective voice across our membership base to drive forward policy and innovation that delivers the best possible retirement outcomes for savers across the country.”

“Having been closely involved in the growth, innovation, and evolution of the pensions sector throughout my career, I’m excited by the changes ahead and the opportunity to set the framework that will finish the job automatic enrolment started, ensuring all savers in the UK can benefit from improved adequacy, value for money and ultimately better retirement outcomes.”

Julian Mund, Chief Executive of Pensions UK, said:

“Jamie is widely respected across the pensions sector for his leadership, technical expertise and unwavering focus on savers’ long‑term interests. His experience at Smart Pension, coupled with his deep understanding of the wider policy and regulatory landscape, makes him an exceptional choice as Chair.”

“I thank Emma Douglas for her outstanding contribution to Pensions UK over many years. Her leadership, clarity of purpose and commitment to collaboration have strengthened this organisation and the wider industry. While we are sad to see her go, we are proud to see her take on the role of Chair of TPR — a testament to her expertise and impact.”

Emma Douglas, outgoing Chair of Pensions UK, said:

“It has been a privilege to serve Pensions UK and to work alongside such a committed and talented community across the pensions industry. Jamie’s deep experience, strategic clarity and involvement in Pensions UK’s governance make him exceptionally well-placed to lead the organisation and I know he will bring energy, insight and expertise to this important strategic role.”

About Smart Pension

Launched in 2015, Smart Pension now exceeds £10bn in Assets Under Management (AUM) and serves over 2 million members and 100,000 employers. It is powered by Keystone, Smart’s global savings and investments technology platform.

Aquiline, Barclays, Chrysalis Investments, DWS Group, Fidelity InternationalStrategic Ventures, J.P. Morgan, Legal & General Investment Management, MUFG and Natixis Investment Managers are all investors in Smart Pension.