Kathy Deverell-Smith joins First Actuarial from Isio

First Actuarial has welcomed Kathy Deverell-Smith to its Manchester office. She joins as an actuary, with more than 14 years of experience in the financial services advisory sector.

Commenting on her new role, Kathy Deverell-Smith said, “I’ve moved to First Actuarial because it’s clear that the firm shares my people-first outlook. That comes across in the way we prioritise the scheme members we serve, the trustees and employers we advise, and the wellbeing of the people we work with every day.”  

First Actuarial is a consulting firm which specialises in pension advisory services. Founded in 2004, its last financial year saw the firm enjoy revenues of more than £28 million – including over £1 million in new business. The firm is headquartered in Leeds, but also has UK offices in Manchester, Peterborough, Tonbridge and Basingstoke.

Deverell-Smith, joins the Manchester office at a key moment. Its teams of pension professionals already serve trustees and employers in the North West – and both the Manchester office and the firm as a whole have experienced steady, organic and sustainable growth in core markets, while developing new services for a changing market.  

Looking ahead, Deverell-Smith will use her 14 years of experience to assist that growth, delivering services to both trustees and employees from the firm’s Manchester office. Prior to arriving with First Actuarial, she spent three years with Isio after its split from KPMG – where she also spent three years as a senior manager and actuarial. Earlier in her career, she also enjoyed stints with Deloitte andWTW as an actuarial.

She added, “Although it’s early days, it’s clear First Actuarial has a keen sense of purpose. I’m looking forward to working with other like-minded actuaries in delivering exceptional value to clients. As First Actuarial continues to grow, my experience – which spans trustee and corporate work – should prove valuable.”