Leonard Bowman to lead DB endgame strategy at Hymans Robertson

Hymans Robertson has named Leonard Bowman as leader of its corporate defined benefit endgame strategy. Bowman takes on the newly created role after spending a quarter-century in the UK pensions sector.

The move comes in a bid to recognise the increasing importance for companies with defined benefit (DB) schemes to strategically plan their journey over the next decade, as they enter the final stages of their lifecycle. With the majority of DB schemes now reaching these final stages, there is an industry-wide need for clear strategic planning and expert execution. As such, Hymans Robertson is preparing to offer services which will help save DB schemes time and money down the line.

Bowman commented, “It is great to be heading up the firm’s team that will be dedicated to providing advice to companies with DB schemes at this complex stage in their journey. I am excited about leading our highly qualified team that will be able to help companies develop this.”

With more than 25 years of experience in the UK pensions industry, Bowman arrived at Hymans Robertson as part of its acquisition of Bath Actuarial Consulting (BAC). After co-founding the firm in 2012, he grew its corporate consulting business from scratch, accruing clients whose DB liabilities ranged from £200 million to over £20 billion in size. Prior to his time with BAC, he also spent a decade in senior corporate actuary and management roles with Willis Towers Watson.

Hymans Robertson uses a four-stage process to help companies develop and then implement their DB strategy. According to Bowman, the process ensures nothing is overlooked, and delivers a tailored and holistic solution to each client.

He added, “Just as importantly, we will work with the company to execute the strategy effectively, to ensure it remains on track and that future opportunities are taken as they emerge. Our expertise in advising both clients and providers on the full range of risk transfer solutions, including insurance, superfunds and capital backed solutions, means we can provide market leading insights into all of the end-game options available.”