Zedra names new client director

Zedra, a provider of independent trustee and governance services, has appointed Dan Whincup as Client Director to strengthen its support for pension schemes across the UK.

Demand grows for independent trustee expertise

Kim Nash, Managing Director at Zedra, stated that demand for independent trustee services has remained steady. Schemes now prioritize experienced partners capable of delivering better outcomes for members. Many seek providers with broad market insight gained from working with diverse arrangements.

Zedra’s work covers schemes of different sizes and types, giving the firm a unique perspective. That experience allows it to apply industry-wide lessons to assist employers and members facing challenges.

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The appointment arrives as the pensions sector faces growing pressure to improve member engagement and retirement outcomes. Many schemes are reassessing governance structures, looking for partners who provide both strategic oversight and practical support.

Whincup brings decades of pensions leadership

Whincup joins Zedra after 11 years at Coal Pension Trustees, where he served as Chief Pensions Officer. There, he supported two of the UK’s largest and most complex schemes—the Mineworkers Pension Scheme and the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme. His responsibilities included strategic funding, investment collaboration, and member communications.

Before that role, he spent 14 years as an actuarial consultant at firms including PwC, Willis Towers Watson, and Mercer. Nash noted that his background provides a well-rounded view of scheme oversight and trustee decision-making, which will help Zedra serve clients in an evolving market.

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Whincup said his move to Zedra was driven by its focus on member outcomes. The firm’s commitment to prioritizing members, along with its scale and personal approach, made it an ideal fit. “It combines the resources to support schemes of all sizes with a culture where relationships truly matter,” he said. “That balance, along with its reputation for innovation, made this a strong cultural match.”

The shift in the pensions industry now expects trustees to demonstrate technical expertise and a deep understanding of member needs. Smaller schemes often lack the resources to manage these demands, increasing the need for external support.

His experience with large, complex schemes could help Zedra improve its governance approach. His actuarial consulting background also brings a data-driven perspective to trustee decisions, which may appeal to schemes balancing risk and member security.