RPMI is looking for a new chief executive after Chris Hitchen announced that he will stand down from the role in the next 12 months.
He has decided to move on after 13 years at the helm of the £25bn Railways Pension Scheme to seek a fresh challenge. Hitchen (pictured) will clock up around two decades of service at the investor when he leaves having joined as investment director in 1998.
RPMI’s trustees hope to make an announcement on his replacement soon. One possible candidate is Julian Cripps, who was promoted to managing director of the investment business in February.
Hitchen has served as chair of the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) and the Pensions Quality Mark. He was also the first chairman of NEST’s investment committee.
The outgoing chief executive said it has been an honour to serve the needs of the 330,000 railways workers and their employers.
“I have for some time been working with senior stakeholders on a succession plan for RPMI, and now is the time to put it into effect,” he added. “I am confident that I am leaving the organisation, and members’ pensions, in very safe hands.”
Railways Pension Trustee Committee chair John Chilman thanked Hitchen for his “exceptional” service in the past 19 years.
“We respect his desire for a fresh challenge and will be announcing our plans for the future leadership of the organisation shortly,” he added.
