Peter Gent was named as head of investment advisory at Border to Coast, Leeds, England, according to a news release.
He will join Border to Coast at the end of June.
The newly created role comes as Border to Coast looks to expand its investment advisory capabilities. The changes reflect the local government pension fund pool’s 2030 Strategy — developed in conjunction with its 11 local government pension scheme partner funds, and is intended to align with the standards set out in the U.K. government’s LGPS Fit for the Future consultation.
He is responsible for developing investment policies that achieve objectives consistent with each partner fund’s investment philosophies, funding policies, and risk tolerances. Gent will also work with Border to Coast’s in-house investment team to develop a research program to support long-term strategic advice, asset-liability modelling and portfolio construction.
Gent is currently the investment adviser to several LGPS funds at Mercer and, as their U.K. investment consulting director, has responsibility for the delivery of strategic research to a broad client base. He is also a qualified actuary, with 18 years of experience working with U.K. pension funds, predominantly in an investment advisory capacity.
Mercer has been contacted for comment regarding Gent’s replacement.
Graham Long, Border to Coast’s head of external management, will also take up a new role as head of portfolio solutions. Long will retain oversight of the existing external management team as well as responsibility for the investment team’s input to the new advisory capability and transition management. A new external management team leader is expected to be appointed shortly.