Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, has appointed Andrew Pearson to the newly created role of Head of Financial Education and Communication.
The move comes as Standard Life said it continues to invest heavily in its workplace pension business and focus on developing “a holistic approach to member financial wellbeing.”
Standard Life said: “Andrew, who has over 25 years’ financial services experience, will be responsible for developing innovative personal finance educational tools and resources, and increasing member engagement by utilising digital capabilities to encourage people to have regular interaction with their long-term savings.
“Andrew initially qualified as an actuary before establishing and leading KPMG’s Pension Communications and Engagement team.
“Prior to joining Standard Life, Andrew was Managing Director of award-winning boutique Public Relations Agency KBPR.
“In almost three decades, he has established a strong track record of leadership in communications and engagement.”
Gail Izat, Managing Director for Workplace at Standard Life, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Andrew to Standard Life. Andrew’s appointment highlights our commitment to supporting members throughout their financial lives.
“Saving enough for retirement is crucial but it sits as part of a wider approach to lifelong financial wellbeing.
“Auto-enrolment has brought millions of people into the pensions system, but the side effect has been a sense of inertia, with many people interacting rarely, if ever, with their pension and falling at risk of both under-saving as well as approaching retirement without the knowledge needed to make good decisions at retirement.
“Innovative financial education and communication are powerful tools to develop awareness of how short and long-term financial goals are important at all stages and Andrew’s experience in this area will be hugely valuable.”
Pearson said: “I look forward to working with the ambitious team at Standard Life to help enhance the financial outcomes of millions of people.
“We’re in a strong position to harness the latest digital capability to deliver the personalised, omni-channel experiences that are the future of financial services, and I look forward to playing my part in helping to shape this.
“I’m joining at a crucial time, when the pressures of the cost of living crisis continue to be felt by many, impacting both their financial confidence as well as the high levels of vulnerability we’re seeing across the sector.
“It’s never been more important to make sure we’re speaking to people in a relevant way and ensure we’re supporting them as much as possible, regardless of their current financial situation or stage of life.”