TPR hires COO and appoints permanent executive director of digital, data and tech

The watchdog said Andrew Baigent would join the organisation from 4 June as COO, also becoming a member of TPR's executive committee and board.

Baigent joins from HM Courts & Tribunals Service, where he was a board member and worked as chief financial officer for seven years. He was previously finance director at the Department of Health and Social Care and has also been a director general at the National Audit Office.

TPR also said that Paul Neville, who joined the regulator in October 2023 as interim executive director of DDaT, would take up that role permanently. He is also a member of TPR's executive committee and board.

TPR chief executive Nausicaa Delfas said: "Pensions are at a moment of great change, and we are changing too, becoming more market-facing and outcome-focused.

"Andrew brings a wealth of experience managing complex organisations. This will be critical in making sure we continue to evolve and align our resources and talent behind initiatives that really deliver for savers.

"Paul has already made a positive impact at TPR helping us transform towards a data-led and digitally enabled regulator. His permanent appointment will help us deliver in the interest of pension savers now and in the future."

Baigent added: "This is an exciting time to be joining TPR as we look to the future and continue to protect, enhance and innovate in savers' interests. My focus will be on joining the board in developing and moving forward our new strategy, and ensuring our teams can turn those plans in action. I look forward to meeting as many colleagues and stakeholders as I can over the coming weeks and months."

Neville added: "I strongly believe that digital, data and technology will make a positive impact to TPR, the industry and ultimately savers. My focus is on shaping and delivering TPR's upcoming DDaT strategy which will serve as our blueprint for culture change, innovation and effectiveness."

Baigent and Neville's appointments follow TPR's announcement in February of a strategic shift in its oversight of the workplace pensions market in February.