IFoA appoints two new Directors

• Annette Spencer appointed as Director of Public Affairs and Research
• Sarah Sim promoted to new role as Director of Markets Development

The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) has appointed two key Directors, as it moves into an exciting new phase of promoting the profession and opening new markets. Annette Spencer has been appointed to the role of Director of Public Affairs and Research. Sarah Sim has been promoted to the new role of Director of Markets Development. Annette and Sarah will both report directly to the IFoA’s Chief Executive Derek Cribb and be part of the senior leadership team.

Annette brings experience gained from Zurich, RSA Insurance, the Universities Superannuation Scheme and the Financial Conduct Authority. She was also Director of Communications at The Investment Association and is a Fellow and Chartered Practitioner of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Sarah joined the IFoA as Head of Global Markets Development in December 2016. She has a proven track record in international business development having previously worked as a Director at ACCA, responsible for markets development and emerging markets. Sarah spent over a decade in her early career in the British Diplomatic Service, a role which included postings to Washington DC and the Caribbean.

Derek Cribb, IFoA Chief Executive, said:

“For the sustainability of the IFoA, and the profession as a whole, it’s essential that we attract and retain the very highest calibre of staff. Annette and Sarah have both previously worked at board level and bring to this organisation a wealth of experience in their respective fields. I greatly look forward to working with them. The senior leadership team is focussed on delivering our strategy and these complementary appointments will supplement our high-level expertise and bring fresh perspectives.”

Annette Spencer, Director, Public Affairs and Research, said:

“I see a real opportunity to raise wider awareness and provide greater understanding of the work that actuaries do. The expert contributions provided by IFoA members and staff working closely together allow us to fulfil our public service remit, as laid out in our Royal Charter, and to influence the future shape of the profession. We bring actuarial thought leadership, research and insight to government policy in a wide range of areas, as well as to actuarial employers, members and students.”

Sarah Sim, Director, Markets Development, said:

“It’s an exciting time to be building the new Markets Development Directorate and forging ahead with our plans for supporting our global growth. The qualifications offered by the IFoA are highly sought after here in the UK and globally. There is a fantastic opportunity within the actuarial profession for us to look at the application of actuarial work in wider fields, along with the more traditional practice areas. We believe the introduction of a new qualification framework, and the change in our curriculum in 2019, will lay the groundwork for us to expand into new areas”.

ENDS 

About the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries

The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) is a royal chartered, not-for-profit, professional body.

Research undertaken by the IFoA is not commercial.  As a learned society, research helps us to fulfil our royal charter requirements to further actuarial science and serve the public interest. 

Actuaries provide commercial, financial and prudential advice on the management of a business’s assets and liabilities, especially where long term management and planning are critical to the success of any business venture. They also advise individuals, and advise on social and public interest issues.

Members of the IFoA have a statutory role in the supervision of pension funds and life insurance companies. They also have a statutory role to provide actuarial opinions for managing agents at Lloyd’s.

Members are governed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. A rigorous examination system is supported by a programme of continuing professional development and a professional code of conduct supports high standards reflecting the significant role of actuaries in society.

The IFoA is available to provide independent expert comment to the media on a range of actuarial- related issues, including enterprise risk management, finance and investment, general insurance, health and care, life assurance, mortality, and pensions.