(May 1, 2014) — RPMI Railpen has appointed Richard Williams to a newly created position of Chief Investment Risk Officer to strengthen in-house capabilities.
Williams, who took up the role on April 22, is now part of a new investment leadership team working with Investment Directors Paul Bishop and Ciaran Barr and will report to CEO Chris Hitchen.
“His appointment is a key development for the business as we strengthen our internal capabilities to ensure that we can implement our investment ideas in the most efficient, effective way,” said Hitchens in a statement, adding he considered his colleague to be a “thoughtful, risk-aware asset manager.”
In his new role, Williams manages risk and return across the £20 billion ($34 billion) portfolio.
“I have very much enjoyed serving RPMI Railpen over many years as an external asset manager and am now delighted to move in-house,” Williams said. “I look forward to working within the excellent and ambitious team and contributing to long term success.”
Hitchen said he was confident that the addition of Williams and his new position would help secure better performance in times of trouble.
“Our sponsors and members need meaningful real returns in a difficult investing environment, so it is vital that we are enquiring and resourceful in our portfolio construction,” he said.
Prior to joining RPMI Railpen, Williams was partner of alternative asset manager BlueCrest Capital Management and was CIO at asset management firm Fischer, Francis, Trees and Watts with over 20 years of experiences in institutional investment.
The London-based RPMI manages pensions of around 500,000 people for over 200 clients in the UK.
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