Brunel pool in hunt for senior roles

The Brunel Pensions Partnership, the £25 billion asset pool for 10 LGPS funds in the south-west of England and the Environment Agency Pension Fund is looking for four senior executives to fill the board-level roles of chief executive officer, chief investment officer, chief compliance and risk officer and chief operating officer.

Brunel has hired Moon Consulting to carry out an executive search for the roles, which will be based at its new offices close to Bristol Temple Meads station. It is understood that Brunel is looking at existing staff at its asset pool members as well as external candidates, and that a policy decision has been taken by the asset pool shareholders than no one at the new asset pool will earn more than the prime minister.

For the CEO role, Brunel is looking for someone who is FCA approved, or able to achieve that status. It stated: “We are seeking an individual with strong leadership skills as well as the ability to build influential relationships at all levels, inside and outside the organisation. They should be adept at managing internal teams including the development and encouragement of individuals with deep investment knowledge.”

For the CIO role, Brunel wants someone to implement, lead and develop a successful investment environment, and to construct and oversee a culture that delivers Brunel’s high business standards. It is understood that Brunel is keen to maintain the Environment Agency Pension Fund’s strong reputation and track record in integrating ESG factors into its investment policy in the new asset pool. The new CIO will also lead the on-boarding of assets during 2018 to 2020 and the establishment of the initial externally managed portfolios, as well as evaluating opportunities for direct internal investment, as part of Brunel’s longer-term strategic vision. The closing date for applications to Moon Consulting for the new roles was June 9th, 2017.