Standard Life has appointed Michelle Ostermann as CEO retirement solutions (RS) and group chief investment officer (CIO) subject to regulatory approvals.
Ostermann brings more than 30 years of global experience across pensions, insurance and investment management in the UK and Canada. Her career includes 18 years with three major Canadian life insurers, working across annuities, pensions and investments, followed by 15 years in pension and institutional investment leadership.
Most recently, she was CEO of the Pension Protection Fund, where she led the organisation and oversaw approximately £32bn in assets.
Her previous senior investment leadership roles include managing director of Railpen Investments and global head of capital markets at PSP Investments, where she was responsible for c.$120bn across public equities, fixed income and liquid alternatives.
She has served as chair of the International Centre for Pension Management, is a member of the UK’s Capital Markets Industry Taskforce (CMIT) and has been a prominent voice in the debate about how long-term pension capital can support productive investment while remaining focused on outcomes for savers.
Ostermann said: “I’m delighted to be joining Standard Life at such an important point in its journey. I have spent my career across pensions, insurance and investment management, and I firmly believe that strong investment capabilities and a relentless focus on customers are fundamental to delivering better retirement outcomes. For me, that means putting people first and helping them make the most of their retirement.
“Standard Life has significant scale, expertise and opportunity and I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across the group to build on those strengths, deliver strong long-term investment outcomes and help more customers achieve greater financial security in later life.”
