Barnett Waddingham appoints two to Workplace Health and Wealth team

Barnett Waddingham has boosted its Defined Contribution consultancy, Workplace Wealth team with the addition of Andy Parker as National DC Consultant and Nick Clynes as Client Relationship Manager. The appointments further boost the firm’s experience in the DC segment in a time of wider market uncertainty.

Prior to joining Barnett Waddingham, Andy Parker worked at Mercer for ten years, most recently as a Principal and UK DC Client Consulting Leader. He has previously worked as, among other roles, a Senior Consultant at Towers Watson, where he worked for more than 13 years; a Pensions Executive at Nat West Insurance Services, where he worked for more than five years; and a Pensions Administrator at Swiss Life, where he worked for five years.

Parker joins Barnett Waddingham as a National DC Consultant, strengthening the firm’s Defined Contribution consultancy – which numbers more than 50 specialists –  in its Workplace Wealth team. The appointment further bolster’s the firm’s presence in the defined contribution (DC) space as the UK greys and companies face increased challenges to meet their obligations.

Commenting on the senior appointment, Mark Futcher, Partner and Head of DC Consultancy, said, “This appointment is a reflection of the increasing demand Barnett Waddingham has for independent experts from trustees and corporates. As a company we focus on our commitment and support to all our clients and not only is Andy a great asset to the team, but his overarching knowledge will support us in going beyond the expected.”

Parker meanwhile remarked, “During a time of increasing governance burden for DC pension schemes, Barnett Waddingham has an opportunity to stand above others in the industry and continue to show real commitment and support to their clients. This is an auspicious time for me to join an award winning team of dedicated consultants, and I look forward to being part of this vision.”

Prior to joining Barnett Waddingham, Nick Clynes worked at PwC for three years as a Senior Manager. He was previously at Grant Thornton in the firm’s Employee Benefits Consultant practice, also as a Senior Manager, for almost two years. Previous roles included Senior Associate at Mercer Health & Benefits, Corporate Account Manager at HSBC, a Consultant at Willis and as a Consultant at Hogg Robinson.

The appointment of Clynes sees him take on the role of Client Relationship Manager in the firm’s Norther Workplace Health and Wealth team. He brings more than 30 years of industry experience to the firm, which will be leveraged in the provision of advisory services to corporates and trustee clients, covering DC pension employee benefit strategy.

Commenting on the appointment of Clynes, Paul Leandro, Partner, said, “Nick’s appointment is a reflection of the growth of our WHW practice as we continue to see demand for true independent consultancy. His extensive knowledge and experience will be an invaluable asset, bolstering the team and the service we provide our growing portfolio of clients. Nick is very well regarded by the clients he’s worked with, and his impeccable rapport with corporates and trustees will strengthen our team in the north of the England, as well as nationally.”

Clynes himself added, “As employers want to drive as much value as possible from their employee benefits packages, I’m delighted to be joining a firm committed to this area of consultancy. Barnett Waddingham has an excellent reputation and I look forward to helping the team continue providing quality DC services to a growing number of clients in the north.”