Calum Cooper: I want us to focus on delivering real impact at this time of transformative change
The Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) has announced the election of Calum Cooper as its next president.
Cooper – who is partner and head of pension policy innovation at Hymans Robertson – will begin his two-year term today (1 June). He succeeds XPS Group partner and head of defined contribution (DC) Sophia Singleton, who has held the role since 1 June 2024.
The SPP said Cooper would seek to protect and build on the strong foundations that Singleton has laid by ensuring the SPP continues to collaborate effectively, delivers meaningful and positive impact, and makes sure that industry voices are heard when it matters.
Commenting on his election, Cooper said: "It is a real privilege to take on the role of president of the SPP. I would like to thank Sophia for the strong foundations she has laid during her tenure. My priority is to protect and build on that progress, ensuring we continue to be a trusted and authoritative voice for the pensions industry, representing the professions in all their diversity."
He added: "Over the coming year, I want us to focus on delivering real impact at this time of transformative change, making sure that the views and expertise of our members continue to be heard clearly when it matters most in shaping pensions policy and regulation.
"Collaboration is also central to everything the SPP does and how we do it. As president, I want to build on SPP's strong relationships with colleagues across the industry, as well as with government, regulators, policymakers and other industry bodies. All in the spirit of togetherness, positively impacting peoples' pension outcomes."
The SPP said that, under Singleton's presidency the SPP had continued to grow both its reach and influence – noting the organisation's high profile and successful collaboration with the Association of Pension Lawyers (APL), Association of Consulting Actuaries (ACA) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help ensure an industry informed solution to the challenges presented by the Virgin Media case.
It said the SPP also proved instrumental in ensuring the Pension Protection Fund's (PPF's) admin levy was abolished and was central to helping ensure flexibility around the general levy was included in the Pension Schemes Act.
It said the body also worked effectively with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to ensure an exemption for pension admin professionals in relation to the new HMRC tax adviser registration requirements.
Professional Pensions will publish an exclusive interview with Calum Cooper and Sophia Singleton tomorrow (2 June).
