Norfolk Pension Fund announces two new appointments to its Pensions Oversight Board

Norfolk Pension Fund is delighted to announce two new appointments to its Pensions Oversight Board.
Robert Gould has been appointed the new Chair of Pensions Oversight Board, and Emma Krelle, Director of Resources at the Broads Authority, has been appointed as Employer Representative for non-levying/ precepting employers.

Robert brings extensive experience in senior governance, pensions oversight and public service leadership to the role. He has chaired a number of complex boards and committees across pensions, environmental governance and local government. Robert previously chaired the Environment Agency Pensions Committee, which oversees the £4.5 billion Environment Agency Pension Fund, part of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). He also chaired the Brunel Pension Partnership Oversight Board, providing oversight of the investment performance of £37 billion of assets.

In addition to his pensions experience, Robert has served on the Board of the Environment Agency and its Audit and Risk Assurance Committee, giving him extensive experience in governance, risk and assurance. His public service career has also included working with local and national government on major projects and securing additional funding for local services.

Robert said: “I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of the Norfolk Pension Fund Pensions Oversight Board. I look forward to working with Board members and the Fund to provide effective oversight, constructive challenge and strong governance, while keeping the interests of Norfolk Pension Fund members at the centre of its work.”

Emma Krelle joins the Board as an Employer Representative. As Director of Resources at the Broads Authority, Emma brings senior experience in finance, resources and public sector leadership to the role.

Glenn Cossey, Director of the Norfolk Pension Fund, said: “We are delighted to welcome Robert and Emma to the Pensions Oversight Board. Robert brings a wealth of experience from across pensions, governance and public service, while Emma’s senior leadership and financial experience will provide a valuable perspective from the Fund’s employer community.

“The Board plays an important role in providing oversight and scrutiny, helping to ensure that the Fund is effectively governed and managed and continues to meet its responsibilities to members and employers. We look forward to working with Robert and Emma as we continue to strengthen the Board’s role at an important time for the LGPS.”
Robert succeeds Brian Wigg, who has stepped down as Chair.

Commenting on Brian’s contribution Glenn said: “We would also like to express our sincere thanks to Brian Wigg for his outstanding contribution as Chair. Brian has provided strong and thoughtful leadership to the Board, bringing considerable experience, knowledge and independence to the role. His commitment to good governance and to ensuring that the interests of scheme members and employers are properly considered has been greatly valued.”

Robert’s appointment is for an initial four-year term. The appointments coincide with ongoing developments across the LGPS, including changes to pensions governance, investment pooling and administration.

The Norfolk Pension Fund Pensions Oversight Board assists the Fund in meeting legislative and regulatory requirements and in securing the effective and efficient governance and administration of the pension scheme.