Graham Oakley (Chair)
Worked at M&S for over 24 years, retiring from the business as Group Secretary
Graham has been a Trustee since 2000 and his legal background and experience in corporate governance means he brings this knowledge and leadership to the Board. Graham recognises that many members will be relying on the Scheme to provide for them for many years and so wants to make sure the Scheme is healthy, well-run and able to provide the benefits earned.
“I want those that follow us in looking after the Scheme to be able to continue to meet the central obligation to make sure every member receives their pension.”
Ann Govier
Worked at M&S for 32 years, retiring from the business as the Head of Senior Remuneration and Employee Share Schemes
Ann feels privileged to be nominated as a Trustee Director as she knows how important the Scheme is to members’ future financial wellbeing. Her previous experience at M&S means she knows how and when to seek external advice and the importance of keeping up to date with complex and ever-changing legislation.
“Members feel proud to have worked for M&S and should feel confident that their pension earned is secure both now and in the future through the decisions we take.”
Alison Houston
Worked at M&S for 34 years, leaving the business as Head of Board Performance and M&S Company Archive.
Alison recognises that the Trustee Directors have significant responsibility in ensuring the Scheme is run properly and, as a MNTD, puts herself in the shoes of the members to be a voice for them.
“The Scheme provides financial security and options in retirement. The decisions we take can hugely influence outcomes for members when they take their pension and throughout their retirement.”
Kate Upcraft
Worked at M&S for over 20 years, leaving the business as the Payroll Legislation Manager.
Kate applied to be a Trustee Director to make sure others can rely on the same financial security the Scheme provides to her. Her previous experience in the payroll profession means she always pays close attention to the details to get the best outcomes.
“The M&S Pension Scheme gave members comfort knowing that whilst they were working hard, they were also building financial security for the future. It’s important that we provide this security to members.”
Stephen Spellman
Head of Internal Audit & Risk
Stephen’s career has been all about protecting stakeholders through various auditing and consulting roles. His role as Trustee Director is an extension of this, looking after Scheme members and their interests.
“As a Trustee Director I want to act with the engagement, diligence, interest and integrity that I would expect from someone in a position of trust looking after my own future.”
Gareth Derbyshire
Chair of the Investment Committee
Gareth trained as an actuary and has worked in investment consultancy with a range of banks. He brings independent technical expertise in pensions and investments to the role.
“Our size helps us to influence others to “do the right thing”, which means we can have a wider impact in important areas that affect all of us, such as climate change.”
Samantha Pitt
Samantha is a qualified accountant with nine years of experience as a pensions trustee across a range of schemes. Her previous roles in corporate finance and treasury means she has a good understanding of how employers operate.
“As a Trustee Director it’s important to look after members and ensure that the M&S Pension Scheme is meeting their needs.”
Sean Burnard
Sean is a qualified actuary who chairs several trustee boards as an independent trustee. He sees being a trustee as the best way for him to have a positive impact, given his knowledge and experience.
“Our primary duty is to represent the members. All our decisions are driven with this in mind.”
Natalie Winterfrost
Chair of the Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Committee
Natalie is a professional trustee with experience in valuations, investment consulting, asset management and more recently ESG. She draws on a wide range of experience to help her in her current role.
“As one of the UK’s largest pension funds, the M&S Pension Scheme can set standards for other schemes on how to incorporate environmental, social and governance matters into investment decision making.”
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