Double appointment of new leaders signals growth ambitions

Two new leaders have been appointed to our investment consulting and business development teams in a move which underscores BW's continued growth ambitions.

Rod Goodyer has been appointed as the new Business Area Leader for Investment Consulting and Jane Ralph as the new Business Area Leader for Business Development. The news follows the recent announcement of the largest one-year revenue increase in BW’s 34-year history.

Rod has over 20 years of actuarial and investment experience, having joined BW as a graduate in 2002. He became a partner in 2012 and was appointed to serve as Interim Head of Investment Consulting in 2021. During this period, Rod played an important role in the Work and Pensions Select Committee inquiry into ‘defined benefit pensions with liability driven investments’. His resolute stewardship of the team at this time helped safeguard BW’s clients from the unprecedented challenges experienced in the gilt markets.

Rod currently leads a team of over 130 investment specialists working with more than 450 clients, managing combined assets in excess of £140bn. Appointed to the position permanently, Rod will play a key role in BW’s ambitious growth aspirations as we continue to deliver long-term value to clients.
 

"I am looking forward to continuing to lead the incredible IC team at Barnett Waddingham, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovation and exceptional service."

Jane has been at BW for more than six years. Initially recruited to lead the expansion of corporate clients in the midlands, her role evolved to a UK-wide remit across the full spectrum of BW’s wider business services to corporates. With her extensive 30-plus years of consultancy experience ranging from listed global multinationals to small family-owned businesses, Jane has an in-depth understanding of the complex needs of a diverse range of clients.

Jane’s new role as the Head of Business Development will see her lead initiatives to drive business growth and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of services that the business offers to current and future clients with a real focus on both innovation and value. 

"I’m looking forward to being able to blend my experience and knowledge with the exciting new technology advancements in the business development space."

Rod Goodyer, Head of Investment Consulting, said: “I am looking forward to continuing to lead the incredible IC team at Barnett Waddingham, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovation and exceptional service. The business has high growth aspirations, and it is an exciting time ahead as we look to explore new opportunities and continue delivering exceptional value to current and future clients. Together, with my dedicated team, I am confident that we will continue to achieve new milestones and contribute to bringing the best outcome for clients and members alike.”

Jane Ralph, Head of Business Development, said: “Taking on the Business Area Leader role for Business Development is a huge opportunity and one that I’m eager to seize. Maximising the opportunities, across a breadth of markets, is a key priority and the strength of our team means that we are expertly placed to deliver on our business growth aspirations. I’m looking forward to being able to blend my experience and knowledge with the exciting new technology advancements in the business development space.”

"Our success this year has been testament to our unrivalled focus on delivering long-term value for our clients and our people. With the strength of our team continuing to grow, we can look forward to 2024 with confidence too."

Andrew Vaughan, Senior Partner at Barnett Waddingham, said: “That both Business Area Leader appointments are internal promotions really highlights the huge wealth of knowledge and experience within the business, and is testament to our continued investment in people. 

“Rod has been outstanding over the past two years while fulfilling the role in an interim capacity, and appointing him to it permanently is undoubtably in the best interest of our clients and the broader business. Under his leadership, the Investment Consulting team will continue to deliver exceptional consultancy advice.  

"Jane’s appointment to Head of Business Development is also hugely deserved. At a time when greater emphasis is placed upon technology and client leadership skills, there’s nobody better to drive our business development strategy. We will continue to improve and expand the services we provide to pension schemes, as well as into a wide range of other areas in the risk, insurance and benefits space.

"Our success this year has been testament to our unrivalled focus on delivering long-term value for our clients and our people. With the strength of our team continuing to grow, we can look forward to 2024 with confidence too.”