Mercer appoints Suzanne Rose as new UK DC leader

Mercer has appointed the former head of Aviva’s master trust and workplace proposition as its UK leader for DC. Suzanne Rose joins as a partner, and will lead the firm’s DC advisory and workplace savings businesses.

Speaking of her appointment, Rose said, “I am passionate about the DC industry and very excited by the opportunity to deliver on one of Mercer’s key strategies to build and grow its DC proposition. Mercer has a strong reputation for delivering innovative solutions that help clients and their members achieve their retirement goals and I look forward to building on that legacy.”

In late 2022, the UK government’s mini-budget saw several pension funds managing vast sums on behalf of retired people across Britain come close to collapse. While the situation has moderately calmed since, pensions funds are by no means out of the woods. Many will be preparing for the worst, should the UK economy further tank in the coming months – meaning demand for pensions advisory and trustee services is rising.

Mercer’s advice to defined benefit (DB) pensions, defined contribution (DC) pensions are subsequently in demand at present. To help ensure the firm delivers top service to its clients on this basis, Rose takes on a significant senior role within Mercer’s UK business, offering pivotal advice to its DC clients.

Rose joins Mercer from Aviva, where she held a number of roles both in the UK and overseas since 2002. Most recently, this saw her take on the role of head of Aviva’s master trust and workplace proposition. In her new role as DC leader for Mercer in the UK, Rose will work closely with counterparts internationally as part of Mercer’s global commitment to growth in DC – reporting to Philip Parkinson, Mercer’s UK head of wealth – while also joining Mercer’s UK wealth leadership team.

Parkinson added, “Suzanne’s enthusiasm and her deep knowledge and experience in the DC market makes me excited for both the future of this growing practice area and all the individuals in it. Suzanne brings with her a wealth of experience having progressed in her career to date through roles in DC master trust, digital propositions, strategy and operations in both UK and international markets. I am confident that together with the talented team at Mercer, we can create future growth and help even more clients achieve financial security in retirement."