Northern Pool has appointed its new chairman

Ian GreenwoodIan Greenwood has been appointed to lead the £46bn investment pool, which has been formed from the combined assets of the Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and Merseyside local government pension funds.

He is currently the Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund and Deputy Chair of the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum, which represents 75 local government pension funds with assets of over £200 billion. He takes up his new role with immediate effect. Ian replaces Cllr Kieran Quinn, the former chairman of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund who unexpectedly died at Christmas. Ian’s appointment comes as the Northern Pool finalises plans to form an asset pool, which will represent around a fifth of total LGPS assets.
 
Ian Greenwood, Chair of the Northern Pool, said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to take up this role. It is a huge honour and privilege, and one that I take very seriously. “Kieran will be a hard act to follow, but like him I firmly believe our approach will enable us to ensure we remain the most cost-effective and efficient pool in the local government pension scheme, underpinned by a simple but effective democratic governance structure. “This will ensure the Northern Pool maintains the good investment returns and low costs that have resulted in low contribution rates for the benefit of taxpayers.”
 
Brenda Warrington, chair of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, said: “Ian’s appointment is another important step on our pooling journey. I’m confident he will continue Kieran’s good work, using investment to drive growth and innovating with our stakeholders to ensure sustainable and affordable pensions for workers who deliver vital public services in the interests of taxpayers."
 
Paul Doughty, chair of Merseyside Pension Fund, added: “Ian’s experience and knowledge of the Local Government Pension Scheme will be invaluable in ensuring continuity and in helping the Northern Pool achieve its objectives at this time of significant change.”