The news of his new role comes at an important time for the leading workplace pensions innovator as it extends its reach in the UK as a broader DC pension provider and moves into new global territories with its platform technology arm.

Ruston is also chair of the firm’s International Advisory Board and has been a non-executive director at the provider since September 2018, said: “This is an exciting time to be leading the Smart Board with the two strategic directions the company is moving in.

“Smart’s tech-powered, value-for-money UK pensions operation is using digital tools to build engagement with savers in a user-friendly way and is seeing the efficiency its technology provides bring the kind of scale and functionality firms with legacy issues can only dream of.

“Its global ambition is already well underway, with significant international interest in its Platform as a Service technology division, as the global retirement industry starts to wake up to the need to offer modern, digital services in line with the advances in mobile banking.

“Smart’s scalable approach demonstrates that putting the customer at the heart of everything you do is a powerful and compelling proposition and I’m delighted to be playing a role in that success.”

He will replace former Virgin CEO Stephen Murphy, who has stepped down.

Andrew Evans, co-founder and CEO at Smart Pension, said: “We’re delighted Ruston is now leading our board in addition to his international advisory role.  His guidance has been pivotal in how we’ve evolved both in the UK and globally and his passion and insistence on compelling communication and putting the member first has been invaluable and will continue to be.

“He has a wealth of experience that is relevant to our future strategic growth.

“We are hugely grateful to Stephen Murphy for his experience and guidance and we have truly moved the business on significantly during his time as Chair.”

ENDS

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