Barnett Waddingham appoints experienced COO to lead on business operations

Barnett Waddingham, the UK’s largest independent provider of actuarial, administration and consultancy services, has appointed David Stoddard as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) from today, 1 September 2020. The role was previously held by Jane Galvin, Partner who is retiring later this year after more than 10 years with the firm.

David will lead operational implementation at Barnett Waddingham as well as focusing on transformation projects within the non-client facing business areas. He will be a driving force behind evolving Barnett Waddingham’s culture of innovation and robust execution, helping to shape the strategy for the firm and making sure the implementation of all non-client business area plans add value to clients and the business as a whole. He will work closely with Senior Partner, Andrew Vaughan and Managing Partner, Marcus Whitehead on all aspects of running Barnett Waddingham as it continues to grow and develop its services for clients.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry, David joins us from Baringa Partners, an independent business and technology consultancy, where he launched and led the growth of their Life and Pensions team. During this time he worked with insurers, wealth providers, and other financial services clients to establish strategic direction, make a step-change in performance, and navigate disruptive industry shifts. Prior to Baringa Partners, David held several senior leadership positions in Ernst & Young in Asia-Pacific, Lloyds Banking Group’s insurance division and Accenture. These roles ranged from helping clients to transform their businesses through to leading key business divisions in a COO role.

David Stoddard, Chief Operating Officer and Partner at Barnett Waddingham, said; “I am delighted to be joining an organisation which has a great reputation based on its independence and culture, and which shares my own values of putting people and clients first.

“I’m excited to be working with the fantastic leadership team to maximise the strategic opportunities for Barnett Waddingham in the years ahead. I am really impressed with the values, quality and friendliness of everyone I’ve met so far, and look forward to working with the great team to build on the many unique strengths the organisation has today.”

Andrew Vaughan, Senior Partner at Barnett Waddingham, said; “David is joining Barnett Waddingham at a time of momentous change for us and our clients. We continue to show strong growth right across our business, even in challenging times. David’s experience will be invaluable to the continued development of our business as the UK’s largest independent provider of actuarial, administration and consultancy services.

“We have been exceptionally fortunate to have had Jane Galvin as our COO over the last 10 years. She has played a vital role in the leadership of our business and its successes and I thank Jane for her significant contributions and wish her all the best for the future.”