LGPS appointment | Rekha Owen appointed Independent Person to Leicestershire County Council Pension Fund

Law Debenture today announces that Rekha Owen, a professional trustee at Law Debenture, has been appointed as Independent Person to the Leicestershire County Council Pension Fund (the “Fund”), part of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

In the role, Rekha will support the Fund’s Local Pension Committee across investment, governance and risk management, administration, committee support and stakeholder management. This includes helping the Committee monitor investment performance and the services delivered by LGPS Central, and supporting the Fund as it prepares for its Independent Governance Review.

Rekha brings more than 25 years’ experience in pensions and investment, spanning investment consulting, fiduciary management, private markets and financial regulation. Prior to becoming a Professional Trustee, she led Mercer’s Alternatives Investment Business in Canada Her experience as a Trustee covers a wide range of pension arrangements in the DC and DB space, including DC Mastertrust and Superfund arrangements

Rekha said: “Local government pensions are distinctive because the people who benefit from them and the people who fund them are largely members of the same local community. I have recently moved to  Leicestershire, so it is a privilege to contribute to the Fund at a time of significant change for the sector. I look forward to supporting the Committee with constructive challenge and practical insight, so that members, employers and local taxpayers can have confidence in how the Fund is run.”

Commenting on the appointment, Phil King CC, Chairman of the Local Pension Committee said:

“The appointment of Rekha as the Fund’s Independent Person is an important step in the ongoing strengthening of the Fund’s governance arrangements. She brings considerable experience across pensions, investment management and governance, including fiduciary management. Rekha will provide valuable independent insight and challenge to support both the Local Pension Committee and senior officers. Her role will help ensure that decisions are well-informed, transparent and have a continued focus on achieving the best outcomes for our members and employers.

As part of this she will support the Fund’s oversight of its pooling arrangements, helping to promote evolving best practice, strong accountability and the delivery of value for money across the Fund.”

Sankar Mahalingham, Head of Pensions Growth  at Law Debenture, said: “We’re really pleased to see Rekha appointed to this role. She brings a great combination of investment expertise, governance experience and practical trustee judgement, which will be particularly valuable as the LGPS continues to evolve.

“We’re looking forward to growing our work with LGPS funds, bringing genuine independence, constructive challenge and practical support. Rekha’s appointment is a great example of that.”

Rekha holds the PMI Certificate in Professional Trusteeship and is a member of the Association of Professional Pension Trustees. She is also a CFA Charterholder and holds the Investment Management Certificate.