People: Barnett Waddingham; Pentabus
Barnett Waddingham (BW), a professional services consultancy has announced the appointment of Nick Cooper as the new head of propositions for SIPP.
Cooper’s appointment is the latest addition to the senior team. He joins as head of SIPP Proposition with extensive experience in the financial services industry.
He has worked in the SIPP market for over 20 years and has developed propositions and managed third-party relationships for the likes of Aviva, Zurich and Clerical Medical.
He led the development of the Embark Group “at retirement” SIPP proposition in response to Investment Pathways for distribution through several digital wealth platforms and joins BW having spent the last three years as head of master trust proposition for XPS and SEI.
As well as taking responsibility for innovation, Cooper will be the consumer understanding outcome lead, ensuring the firm continues with its proactive approach to consumer duty. He will work with the SIPP leadership team to develop and grow BW’s SIPP offering to clients.
Simon Foster, CEO of SIPP at Barnett Waddingham, said: “Technological advances, societal developments, and regulatory changes, such as the introduction of Consumer Duty regulation, are transforming the SIPP market and creating a range of exciting growth opportunities. At BW, SIPP has been on a journey over the last two years, working closely with key clients and taking our service delivery from strength to strength, as well as building up our team.
“Now, with deep knowledge of the pensions market and distribution channels and significant investment in technology, BW is uniquely placed to deliver a future-focussed SIPP proposition which fulfils the market need. Bringing a wealth of experience, Nick has exactly the credentials needed to develop an innovative and effective solution for BW’s growing and evolving client base.”
Cooper said: “It’s exciting to be joining BW at such a pivotal moment in the development of its SIPP offering. Working alongside Simon and his team, I’m looking forward to honing the proposition, overseeing roll out across BW’s client base, and pursuing growth opportunities in the broader market.”
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Shropshire’s theatre company, Pentabus, has announced a new chair of the board, Nuala O’Kane, former Chair of Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, and six new board members.
The new board members are Michelle Terry artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe, Joel Hall RSC digital producer, lyricist and composer, Anne-Hélène Biosse-Duplan, former management consultant, Kieran O’Flaherty HR professional and playwright, Izzy Culliss managing partner at Marysville Medical Practice and musician and Jacoba Williams actor.
Nuala O’Kane, incoming Chair of the Board
The new board members replace playwright Matt Hartley and actor Sue McCormick, who stepped down in November 2023, Dr Tilly Branson, who departs after six years, and the quartet of Joanna Clockwise.
Ros Robins, outgoing Chair of the Board, said: “’I am proud to have been Chair of the Board of Pentabus for the last 10 years. During that time we have seen significant changes in the artistic and executive leadership and governance of the company; we survived the Covid years and are now in new premises in the Ludlow Assembly Rooms. We were sad to leave the School House in Bromfield which witnessed so many wonderful performances but are excited by the prospect of moving into town!
“The best new writing with rural stories at its heart has continued to be at the core of Pentabus’ mission but over the last decade we have also been able to grow our work with young writers and develop an award-winning digital programme. Thanks to all those artists, partners, and funders that have supported us – there is so much to be proud of and celebrate as we enter our 50th year.”
Nuala O’Kane, incoming Chair of the Board, said: “I am proud and delighted to be appointed as Chair of Pentabus. As a resident of Shropshire, I have watched the organisation grow from its relatively modest beginnings in the 70s to the influential and groundbreaking company that it is today. I have a lifelong passion for the arts and strongly believe that quality performances should be accessible to all communities, which is the mission and purpose of Pentabus. During this 50th Anniversary year, I look forward to sharing some truly exciting and innovative events with our supporters and new audiences.”
