The PMI has appointed two new members of its Executive Team to drive the delivery of its strategic vision to advance pensions knowledge, foster industry collaboration and enhance retirement outcomes.

As part of these changes, the PMI has appointed Helen Forrest Hall, as Chief Strategy Officer. Helen will be responsible for driving forward the PMI’s strategic vision and priorities both internally and externally, including through effective working relationships with government, regulatory and other relevant bodies, strengthening the PMI’s advocacy voice.

Helen brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked in the pensions sector for almost 20 years. She joins from The Pensions Regulator (TPR) where she served as Head of Regulatory Communications. In this role, she is responsible for engaging effectively with the market to understand the risks and opportunities facing the sector, delivering engagement and targeted communications to drive better outcomes for pension savers. Prior to her time at TPR, she led policy at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association for five years with specific responsibility for the defined benefit pensions team and Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) policy. Helen began her career at the Department of Work and Pensions where she was responsible for taking through key pensions legislation and was latterly head of pensions external engagement.

The PMI has also appointed Matt Knowles as Chief Learning Officer. He will be responsible for the PMI’s education, training and qualifications offering including the PMI Academy. Matt brings diverse education experience to the role having worked in the funded and commercial education sectors for 16 years. He has extensive experience as a Tutor, Quality lead, Operations lead, Curriculum developer, and Senior Leader. Matt has successfully driven learning digitalisation strategies to improve student outcomes across a range of professional industries including Finance, HR, Data Analytics, and Leadership. Through the effective combination of technology and modern learning principles, Matt will help to ensure the PMI continues to deliver the leading training and qualifications for the Pensions Industry. 

The pensions landscape is rapidly evolving, and the PMI is taking steps to ensure it remains at the forefront of the industry, serving members in the best ways possible. This involves the creation of new functions focused on Strategy, Customers and Learning.

These new appointments are critical to the PMI achieving its Strategic Plan, which for 2025 is focused on improving member experience, launching the PMI Academy and growing our Global Innovation Centre. The PMI Academy provides qualifications, training, and resources designed to support pensions professionals with their career goals. The Global Innovation Centre brings together international learnings and best practices that will encourage innovation in pension provision Lifetime Savings.

Gareth Tancred, CEO of the PMI, comments:

“We must make sure that the PMI remains at the forefront of the industry, ready to tackle challenges and seize opportunities so we can continue to serve members, and ultimately pension savers, in the best way possible. The creation of the role of Chief Strategy Officer is a key part of delivering this vision. I am delighted that Helen is joining us and, as a member of the PMI Board will bring strategic thought and focus as well as drive and ambition to this important work. Empowering Change through education is a critical part of our vision and so I am delighted that Matt will be joining us as Chief Strategy Officer. Our organisational changes are about bringing all of our talented and capable colleagues together to advance pensions knowledge, foster industry collaboration and enhance retirement outcomes.”

Helen Forrest Hall, Chief Strategy Officer at the PMI, said: “I am delighted to be appointed Chief Strategy Officer and be joining the talented team at the PMI at a critical time for the pensions sector. I am looking forward to applying my experience in pensions policy, regulation and advocacy to drive the PMI’s strategic vision and I’m excited to lead and support the team to deliver on our priorities and strengthen the PMI’s advocacy voice.”

Matt Knowles, Chief Learning Officer Chief Learning Officer at the PMI, said: “I am thrilled to become Chief Learning Officer and to play my part in delivering our education and Academy strategic vision. I look forward to evolving our Qualification pathways offer, revitalising our training solution offer, and increasing industry access to our suite of qualifications. Through the development and launch of the PMI Academy, I look forward to supporting the PMI to deliver leading education to members, a global network of Pensions Organisations, and facilitating the career progression of current and future Pensions Professionals."