Patrick Newberry to replace Sally Bridgeland as Brunel Chair for next phase of pooling
We have been considering Brunel’s current situation and the future needs of the Board given the new period of change. This follows the decision made by the government on LGPS pool consolidation.
Given the new changes and mandate for us, Sally has made the decision to step down to allow for a different leadership with the right experience to lead the partnership through this time of negotiation and major structural change.
Sally Bridgeland joined us last year to lead the company and guide on Strategic Asset Allocation advice, local investing and internal management of the fund, given her extensive experience across pensions and investment.
Patrick Newberry, who has sat on the Brunel Board for six years, will therefore be stepping into the Chair role. Patrick is an ex-Senior Partner in PwC with extensive transaction experience. Patrick joined Brunel in Spring 2019, just a year after the pool received FCA authorisation. He has therefore seen Brunel through its early and mid-stage growth, the launch of portfolios across multiple asset classes, and the transition of almost 90% of client assets.
Patrick has 35 years of experience in financial services. He was a consulting and regulatory partner at PwC for 25 years, and has extensive Board and executive experience across strategy, governance, and audit and risk.
These changes will take place as of the 1st of August to ensure Patrick is able to step into the role immediately.
We thank Sally for her leadership through this challenging time for the Partnership and wish her all the best for the future. Sally has been part of the community of investors passionate about long-term responsible investing for over two decades and shares our hope that Brunel can continue our drive towards high-impact local and responsible investing.
We are confident we have the right team in place to take us forward and negotiate the best possible outcome for all.
“I would like to thank Sally for her wide-ranging contribution to Brunel and we wish her all the very best. The focus of the role has now significantly changed, and I am pleased that Patrick has agreed to take it on at a critical moment in our partnership’s journey. His experience of guiding organisations through similar processes will be invaluable. I look forward to working even more closely with Patrick through the next phase.”
Laura Chappell, Chief Executive Officer, Brunel Pension Partnership
“We now face a critical period for the partnership and I will ensure that we work collectively as a Board in the long-term interests of our broader partnership, our clients and their members.”
Patrick Newberry, Chair, Brunel Pension Partnership