Matt Ashton-Smith: My aim with D8a People is to give trustees confidence that projects are being delivered effectively
Matt Ashton-Smith – the former data consulting lead at Aon – has launched a specialist consultancy to provide independent data governance and oversight for UK scheme trustees.
The firm – D8a People – is part of the Western Pensions Solutions group of businesses.
In a post on LinkedIn, Ashton-Smith said: "Trustees are often faced with complex, multi-million-pound data projects — GMP reconciliation, equalisation, spouse cleansing, conditional testing, and dashboard readiness, to name a few. These projects carry risk, cost, and reputational impact.
"My aim with D8a People is to give trustees confidence that projects are being delivered effectively, with providers held accountable and outcomes aligned to the scheme's goals."
Commenting on the launch, Western Pension Solutions managing director Ben Fowler added: "I am very pleased and excited to welcome Matt Ashton-Smith and D8a People to join our group.
"As we all know, improving data governance and data quality is the key to achieving successful strategic outcomes. Matt's unique experience and expertise in this area means he is very well placed to advise and support trustees and executive teams on their data projects."
