Leeds-based Border to Coast Pensions Partnership, the largest UK local government pension scheme (LGPS) pool, has appointed Stephen Hampson as chief finance officer (CFO) as it expands to £120 billion of assets.

“A qualified accountant, Stephen brings over 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry and in senior financial leadership roles, having previously been Group Reporting Director at Standard Life Plc and Chief Finance Operations Officer at Aviva Plc,” said Border to Coast.

“He joins as CFO at a pivotal moment for the LGPS pool, as it expands to become the UK’s largest pensions asset owner with close to £120bn of assets.

“The evolution and strengthening of its executive team will help ensure it continues to deliver for its LGPS Partner Funds …

“Stephen will, subject to also shareholder approval at its Annual General Meeting in the summer, join the organisation’s board. He will replace Fiona Miller, Deputy CEO, who is due to retire from her executive role in late 2026.”

Stephen Hampson

Border to Coast Pensions Partnership has also announced the formal addition of seven Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds to the pool, taking collective assets close to £120 billion.

The expansion positions Border to Coast as the largest pensions asset owner in the UK.

The pool, launched in 2018, now has 18 LGPS Partner Funds.

With the addition of Cambridgeshire, East Sussex, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Northamptonshire, and West Sussex, the partnership now covers two million members and more than 5,000 employers.

Border to Coast CEO Rachel Elwell said: “It is fantastic to have Stephen on board at this important time for Border to Coast as we expand and strengthen our operations. He will benefit from Fiona’s learnings and experience ahead of her planned retirement.

“Fiona has been integral to Border to Coast’s story since day one. From mapping out the earliest principles of pooling for our partnership to guiding our teams through our recent expansion, Fiona has been a strong and influential leader.

“She is a trusted voice not only in our partnership, but across the LGPS, and I would like to thank her for her vision and leadership. She leaves the organisation in a strong position to support the evolving pensions system.”