EQ Retirement Solutions appoints Will Pritchett as chief executive officer
Former Accenture pensions leader Will Pritchett has joined EQ Retirement Solutions. Arriving as the firm’s chief executive officer, Pritchett takes office from the beginning of September 2026.
“Having worked alongside EQRS in recent years, I have long admired this business, built on best-in-class proprietary technology and defined by the depth of its client relationships,” said Pritchett. “As the entire industry is being reshaped by technology and rising member expectations, I am honoured to lead EQRS at such a pivotal moment and to build on what this team does best as we keep finding new ways to better serve our clients. I am grateful to Duncan for his leadership and look forward to working alongside him and the entire team as we extend the role our solutions play for the clients and members who rely on us."
EQ Retirement Solutions (EQRS) provides member and policyholder administration and technology services, supporting more than 10 million members and £10 billion in annual payments for many of the UK’s largest public and private sector pension schemes. Pritchett brings more than 25 years of experience across financial services, consulting and technology-led transformation.
He joins EQRS from Accenture, where he served as Managing Director and Global Head of Life, Pensions and Retirement, as well as Insurance Lead for UK, Ireland and Africa, a role in which he worked closely with EQRS and developed a firsthand understanding of the business, its clients and the retirement solutions market. He has also held senior leadership roles at Royal London, KPMG and Royal & Sun Alliance, leading complex digital, operational and customer-focused transformation initiatives across life, pensions, investments, asset management and insurance.
Pritchett succeeds Duncan Watson, who led EQRS as CEO for nearly eight years and will join the EQRS Board, also serving as Special Advisor to the CEO through the end of 2026 to support a seamless transition.
“It has been a privilege to help build EQRS into the business it is today, supporting more than 10 million members and £10 billion in annual payments for many of the UK’s largest public and private sector pension schemes, powered by our own technology and by people who care deeply about the members we serve,” said Watson. “Will brings a rare understanding of our industry and our clients, and he shares our conviction that getting it right for our members is what matters most. I look forward to supporting him in this next chapter as EQRS deepens its client partnerships and continues investing in the technology that sets us apart."
The appointment follows Siris’ recently announced decision to exercise its option to maintain ownership of EQRS, EQ Customer Resolutions (EQCR) and Lenvi from Equiniti. The transaction is expected to close in January 2027, in parallel with Equiniti’s previously announced sale to Bullish, subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory approvals.
Following the transaction close, Siris, which has owned the businesses since 2021, intends to establish EQRS and EQCR as a dedicated platform within its portfolio, bringing the two businesses closer together while retaining the distinct expertise and customer focus that underpin each. Pritchett will lead the combined group, and EQCR will continue to be led by Sue Bartlett, who will report to Pritchett and join the group board.
