LGPS Central appoints Richard Law-Deeks as CEO

LGPS Central has announced Richard Law-Deeks as its new CEO.

Richard joins the Central Pool with a wealth of pension fund, investment and LGPS experience. He is currently CEO of the Royal Mail Pension Plan, having spent the early part of his career in local government in pensions and wider finance role at Hackney Council and Hertfordshire County Council. Building on the success of the past five years Richard will work with Partner Funds, the Board and Central’s expert team of colleagues to set and deliver the future direction of the Pool in the wake of the Government’s consultation response in 2023.

The appointment will start in the early summer, subject to regulatory approval.

Welcoming the appointment, Joanne Segars, Chair of LGPS Central Limited, said: “I am delighted that Richard will be joining LGPS Central. We’ve achieved much over the past five years, but there’s much more for us to do. Now is a critical time for LGPS pooling. Richard’s experience of pensions and the LGPS and his focus on Partner Funds will help deliver the right investment opportunities and cost savings and steer our further success and growth.”

Richard Law-Deeks said: “I am delighted to be coming back to work with the LGPS with LGPS Central. While there are challenges ahead, there are also opportunities, and I am excited to be helping to deliver cost savings and superior investment returns for our Partner Funds which in turn can have a positive impact on public finances and services in the Midlands.”

Councillor Eric Kerry, Chair of the LGPS Central Shareholders Forum, said: “On behalf of Shareholders I am delighted to welcome Richard to the LGPS Central Pool. We look forward to working with him to jointly secure the long-term future of the Pool and to continue to deliver for Partner Funds.”