L&G has made two senior hires, appointing Jayesh Patel ((pictured) as head of UK defined contribution distribution and Louise Whyte as head of defined contribution sales and strategy.
Patel will have responsibility for developing and driving the leadership of L&G’s UK DC client and business development teams, working closely with employers and trustees and ensuring a constant focus on improving member outcomes.
With over 20 years in the industry, he brings significant experience of working with clients on DC pensions across investments, member experience and retirement support, together with strong commercial leadership.
Patel joined L&G in January 2024 as head of DC clients.
Prior to this, he was co-head of DC consulting at Willis Towers Watson (WTW), where he was jointly responsible for the UK DC team’s client, colleague and financial management.
In addition to Patel’s appointment, Whyte joins as head of DC sales and strategy to drive forward growth of the DC and workplace savings business.
Whyte joins from Scottish Widows where she was DC strategic relationship director for more than four years and was previously at SEI and BlackRock.
Patel said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time in DC pensions right now.
“I am delighted to take on this role and partner with clients and advisers to help employers and trustees deliver improved member outcomes.
“Since joining L&G, I have been incredibly impressed with the focus on serving clients and developing the proposition to new heights for members.”
Sarah Aitken, chief client officer at L&G, said: “The success of our business is built on listening to our clients and providing solutions that make a genuine difference to member outcomes.
“Jayesh brings deep client insight and the breadth and depth of his experience and knowledge is a real asset to the team.
“He has shown himself to be a trusted partner to clients and industry participants and he will play a key role in our continued growth story.”
