The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) is delighted to announce the appointment of Girish Menezes as its new President, alongside three new Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) to its Board, following the announcement made at the Annual General Meeting, 11 September 2025.
Girish Menezes brings more than two decades of leadership in pensions governance and advocacy. He has a proven track record of driving professional standards, fostering collaboration and championing member outcomes across the sector. As President, Girish will work with the Board and Executive team to shape PMI’s strategic priorities and elevate standards across the sector.
Joining the PMI’s Board as Non-Executive Directors are:
- Louise Davey
- Duncan Buchanan
- Mary Cahani
The Board also approved the reappointment of Rachika Cooray reflecting her valued contribution to the Institute and ensuring continuity in governance and strategy.
In line with the PMI’s constitution, which permits up to three ex-officio director positions. Helen Forrest Hall, has been appointed as the third Executive Director, further strengthening the Board’s expertise and sector insight.
These appointments reinforce the PMI’s commitment to representing members’ interests and upholding the highest professional standards. They position the PMI to respond effectively to emerging regulatory and market challenges while supporting our members’ development and delivering tangible member benefits.
Ruston Smith, PMI Chair, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Girish as our new President and to strengthen our Board with such a diverse and talented group. Their combined experience and passion for professional excellence will be instrumental as we continue to support our members and industry, raise standards, and drive innovation across the pensions industry.”
Girish Menezes, added “It is an honour to serve as President of the PMI at such a pivotal moment for pensions. I look forward to representing our members and working with the Board to drive forward our mission of strengthening governance, enhancing skills, and delivering better outcomes for savers and beneficiaries.”
Notes/Sources
Notes to editors:
- The President shall also serve as a NED on the Board of Directors.
- Louise Davey is a Trustee Director and Head of Policy and External Affairs at IGG, having joined last year. With 30 years in the pensions industry, including 17 years at The Pensions Regulator (TPR), latterly as Director of Regulatory Policy, Analysis and Advice. Louise is passionate about high standards of trusteeship delivering positive retirement outcomes for pension scheme members, and has led the development of key policy initiatives such as the DC Value for Money framework, the DB Funding Code, and the General Code. Louise is a Fellow of the PMI.
- Duncan Buchanan is a highly respected pensions lawyer with over 30 years of experience advising trustees, employers, and industry bodies on complex pensions law and regulation. As a long-standing partner at Hogan Lovells, Duncan played a pivotal role in shaping legal strategy across defined benefit and defined contribution schemes. He served as President of the Society of Pension Professionals (SPP), where he championed policy reform and collaborative engagement across the pensions landscape. Known for his thoughtful leadership and commitment to improving member outcomes, Duncan is a Fellow of the PMI and remains a trusted voice in the industry, even in retirement.
- Mary Cahani is part of the UK Institutional team at Invesco, focused on working closely with key stakeholders within DC to champion better member outcomes and promote Invesco’s full range of investment strategies across all asset classes. Prior to joining Invesco in January 2022, Mary worked for Russell Investments in a variety of roles within the institutional business. She started off in the operations and quickly worked her way into the institutional team focusing on developing and maintaining relationships with UK pensions schemes with primary focus on Fiduciary Management. Mary is a Member by Experience of the PMI (EPMI).
- Rachika Cooray is a Partner and the Head of Governance at LCP. Recently named Consultant of the Year at the Professional Pensions Rising Star Awards, she champions strong governance, effective decision-making, and authentic equity, diversity and inclusion across the pensions industry. A Fellow of the PMI, Rachika was first appointed to the PMI Board in 2023 and has previously served as Vice President of the Institute.
- The PMI is the professional body which supports and develops the experts who run UK pension schemes. It has the broadest skills base of pensions professionals and trustees in the UK, with some 7,431 members dedicated to establishing, maintaining and advancing the highest levels of pensions knowledge. PMI members are responsible for managing and advising some of the largest institutions in the world and taking key decisions on substantial financial matters. With well over £1 trillion invested in UK pensions, PMI members have a vital role to play in shaping the nation’s financial future. With 48 years of successful operation behind it, the PMI is an organisation at the cutting edge of pensions. For full details of PMI’s qualifications, membership grades and ongoing support services visit www.pensions-pmi.org.uk
- For further information, please contact: pr@pensions-pmi.org.uk
Last update: 12 September 2025
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