Gallagher has appointed Michael Robinson as Head of Defined Contribution Investment for its Benefit & HR Consulting division in the U.K., strengthening the firm’s investment capabilities as pension schemes face increasing pressure around scale, value, diversification and retirement outcomes.
Robinson will lead Gallagher’s defined contribution investment proposition and report to Nick Lewis, Co-Head of Investment in the U.K.
In the role, Robinson will be responsible for helping shape Gallagher’s approach to DC investment strategy and supporting clients as they assess portfolio construction, investment design and longer-term member outcomes.
He joins Gallagher from Aegon UK, where he served as Head of Investment Development.
At Aegon, Robinson led the design of investment solutions combining public and private markets, giving him experience across areas that are becoming increasingly relevant for defined contribution pension schemes.
Private markets are attracting greater attention across the pension sector as schemes evaluate whether allocations to private equity, private credit, infrastructure and other less liquid assets can improve long-term diversification and return potential.
At the same time, DC providers and trustees must balance those opportunities against considerations such as liquidity, fees, governance and member value.
Before joining Aegon, Robinson spent eight years advising U.K. and European pension schemes and insurers on investment strategy, portfolio construction and manager selection.
That experience gives him a broad perspective across institutional investing and the practical requirements involved in implementing investment strategies for pension clients.
His appointment comes as the U.K. defined contribution market continues to evolve.
Pension schemes are dealing with increasing scale requirements, greater scrutiny under Value for Money assessments and growing expectations around the quality of investment outcomes delivered to members.
Providers are also exploring ways to broaden access to private markets while adapting portfolios to changing retirement patterns.
As more members remain invested for longer and seek greater flexibility in retirement, DC investment strategies increasingly need to account for both accumulation and decumulation needs.
Robinson’s background across public and private markets is expected to support Gallagher as it advises clients on these challenges.
By appointing Robinson to lead its DC investment proposition, Gallagher is adding senior investment expertise at a time when pension schemes are placing greater emphasis on portfolio design, governance and measurable value for members.
KEY QUOTE:
“Private markets, changing member expectations and a greater focus on retirement outcomes are creating significant opportunities for innovation.”
Michael Robinson, Head Of DC Investment At Gallagher’s Benefit & HR Consulting Division
