Meet the team
Over the last 5 years, our expert team have been helping employers in the public sector to boost the financial wellbeing of their LGPS members with a life-changing retirement benefit alongside top retirement education.
With now over 250 partners, we’ve expanded the team from 4 employees to over 70 – and we’re not stopping there!
Meet our experts below by clicking a button to read their profile:
Our wider team
Jonathan Kempson
Retirement Education Director
Jonathan joined AVC Wise after 20 years with Prudential where he was an accomplished workplace consultant with specialist Local Government AVC knowledge.
Jonathan’s key role at AVC Wise is to lead our Retirement Education team, ensuring we are offering the best support and education to the LGPS members we work with, with a focus on promoting the benefits of Shared Cost AVCs and ensuring that they are fully informed about their Local Government Pension Scheme.
Greg March
Senior Retirement Education Specialist
With an extensive portfolio in the finance sector, Greg joined AVC Wise to help people by providing relevant and educational information about Shared Cost AVCs.
Greg uses his vast experience and knowledge to write and present various presentations with the goal of informing Local Government employees about the unique opportunity Shared Cost AVCs offer them for their retirement.
Nick Pottinger
Retirement Education Specialist
Nick has worked in financial services for the last 20 years, gaining invaluable experience in the world of pensions. Before joining up with AVC Wise in March 2021, he worked for 8 years as a Retirement Consultant for Prudential.
He continues to provide his expert guidance for Local Government employees on the Shared Cost AVC arrangement in the form of hosting webinars and individual meetings. Through this he hopes to ensure that he can make their retirement dreams become a reality.
Ian Anderson
Retirement Education Specialist
Ian is an experienced pensions professional, previously working with Prudential for 7 years.
He utilises his knowledge at AVC Wise through presenting webinars to local government employees, informing them about the benefits of the Shared Cost AVC Scheme. Ian also partakes in individual meetings to resolve any issues Local Government Employees may have.
Barry Richards
Retirement Education Specialist
Prior to working with AVC Wise, Barry worked within the AVC department for Prudential.
He is passionate about the benefits that a Shared Cost AVC scheme can offer to Local Government employees, presenting the advantages through webinars and individual meetings.
Jade GreenRetirement Education Specialist
Jade is both experienced and knowledgeable in the pension industry, previously working for a local government pension administrative service.
Jade originally joined AVC Wise in December 2022 as a Customer Services Pension Administrator, but now works as a Retirement Education Specialist and uses her extensive knowledge in AVCs to host both webinars and individual meetings for local government employees, educating them about the advantages of the Shared Cost AVC Scheme.
Andrew Holland
Senior Partner Account Manager
Andrew’s experience with customer level management dates back to his time within the music industry, as well as working with both Sony and Paperchase Products as an Account Manager. Andrew joined AVC Wise in August 2021, he works to ensure that partners are able to effectively inform their employees of the benefits that the Shared Cost AVC scheme can offer to help grow the participation of their scheme.
Sian Parkin
Partner Account Manager
Sian is experienced at project and account management, previously working at FMG as an operational solutions specialist and at Zenith as an account manager.This experience has facilitated Sian at AVC Wise as she works to support partners in the promotion of the Shared Cost AVC scheme to their employees.
Emma Haslett
Partner Account Manager
Emma is both experienced and knowledgeable in account management, having over 17 years’ experience.Since joining AVC Wise in January 2023, Emma has worked closely with our partners to assist them in the promotion of the Shared Cost AVC scheme to their employees.
Jack Hare
Partner Account Manager
Having accumulated over 7 years of experience in account management spanning diverse industries, Jack has developed expertise in effectively addressing customer needs and adeptly resolving day-to-day issues using his strong interpersonal skills.
At AVC Wise, Jack works to establish strong relationships, effectively address concerns, and find solutions to maintain positive partnerships.
Kay GeraghtySenior Implementation Manager
Kay’s experience of implementation management dates back to her role as a Senior Implementation and Engagement Manager within the travel industry.
Since joining in October 2021, Kay has used her vast knowledge to assist partners in onboarding their staff into the Shared Cost AVC scheme, ensuring that this process is as smooth as possible.
James Hurt
Implementation Manager
James is both experienced and knowledgeable when working closely with clients, previously working in administration and client management.
This experience has facilitated James in his role at AVC Wise as he supports Kay with the implementation of the Shared Cost AVC scheme for partners, whilst also leading projects for partners himself.
Debbie Bucci
Senior Partner Services Manager
Debbie has over 30 years’ experience in administration, previously managing administrative duties for businesses within the Market Research, Leisure and Tourism and Education sector.
Since joining in AVC Wise October 2021, Debbie has been leading the Business Administration and HR function.
Jennifer Hawthorne
Senior Partner Administration Manager
Jennifer joined AVC Wise in September 2022, she works to assist the implementation and engagement team with administrative duties, whilst also working with partners to ensure the smooth implementation of their Shared Cost AVC scheme.
Charlene Anyon
Customer Service Manager
Charlene has over 5 years’ experience assisting customers within the pension industry, formerly working as the Customer Service Team Leader at LPPA.
Since March 2022, Charlene has been assisting customers through the management of the Customer Service Team as well as working directly with LGPS employees ensuring that they can obtain any information that they may need.
Lisa Smith
Partner Administration Manager
Lisa is experienced in management, setting up and running her own business prior to joining AVC Wise.
Louise Cooper
Partner Services Manager
Louise has been in the financial services industry for over 15 years, specialising in mortgages and working closely with independent financial advisers.
Since joining AVC Wise in November 2022, Louise has used her experience to assist with administrative duties.
Denise Brown
Partner Administration Manager
Denise is both experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to the LGPS, previously dealing with government payroll when working with Sopra Steria as a Pension Processor Officer.
Since joining in December 2021, Denise has worked to help customers with any queries, whilst also advising customers on the process of the Shared Cost AVC scheme.
Nathan Evans
Pension Customer Services Administrator
Nathan has over 4 years’ experience within financial services, previously working as a Senior Customer Service Advisor at Lloyds Banking Group.
At AVC Wise, Nathan will use his experience to assist customers with queries via phone calls, email and web chats.
Elise Strother
Pension Customer Services Administrator
Elise joined AVC Wise in April 2023, she previously worked in local government where she dealt with a large volume of customers and queries on a daily basis.
At AVC Wise, Elise answers customer queries via web chats, emails and phone calls. She also works to ensure that applications are fully completed.
Karl Davies
Pension Customer Services Administrator
With over 20 years’ experience in customer services and operations, Karl is an expert in customer support and is passionate about ensuring customer satisfaction.
Since joining in AVC Wise in July 2023, Karl has assisted customers queries via, email, web chats phone calls, advising customers on the process of the Shared Cost AVC scheme.
Leah Hurt
Implementation Administrator
Leah is an experienced administrative professional with a background in the care industry.
Leah joined AVC Wise in February 2023, she works to support the implementation managers with various tasks including creating and managing spreadsheets, and working in the backend of Zoho.
Tracy Hammel
Pension Customer Service Administrator
A true veteran of customer service, Tracey thrives on the challenge of mastering new topics. With a track record of success and a genuine enthusiasm for her work, Tracey’s dedication is evident in her proficiency in handling queries, complaints and ensuring that customer satisfaction remains a top priority.
Prior to joining AVC Wise, Tracey spent 5 years gaining specialised experience in local government pensions, which ensures she excels in navigating the complexities of pension-related matters.
Tim McEwan
New Business Manager
Tim has over 20 years’ experience in Financial Services, including 15 years within Prudential’s Public Sector team.
Tim predominantly focuses on launching Shared Cost AVC schemes at new partner organisations within Northern Ireland, Scotland and North East England.
Steven Black
Business Development Director
Steven Black specialised in the Local Government Pension Scheme whilst working at Prudential and has over 18 years’ experience working in Public Sector Pensions.
Since joining AVC Wise in August 2019, Steven has been responsible for helping Scotland based employers implement Shared Cost AVC schemes by demonstrating the savings that they can make whilst offering their employees a fantastic employee benefit.
Matthew Coombe
Business Development Director (NHS)
Matthew has gained valuable experience in the finance sector at both Prudential and RBS.
Since 2020 Matthew has been working at AVC Wise and is responsible for informing partners on how they can enhance their employee’s retirement plans.
Joe Kerry
Business Development Manager
Joe was able to build up his knowledge of LGPS’s through his 4 years working with LPPA.
He has used this experience whilst working with AVC Wise to answer any queries employees may have about the Shared Cost AVC scheme, also ensuring that various plans for partners are carried out each month.
Nadine Auckle
Business Development Executive
Since joining AVC Wise in June 2018 Nadine is predominantly responsible for the initial introduction of a Shared Cost AVC scheme to partners, whilst also explaining the benefits that they can provide to the organisation as well as their employees.
Lisa White
Business Development Executive (NHS)
Lisa is vastly experienced in B2B lead generation, previously working in face-to-face sales for holiday accommodation.
Lisa is responsible for the initial introduction of the New Business team to the NHS Partners. Her efforts ensure a smooth and well informed introduction to Salary Sacrifice AVCs for the partners.
Katie Seward
Finance Manager
A CIMA qualified accountant, Katie has gained a wide range of knowledge from working across various industries as Financial Controller and Finance Manager over the last ten years.
At AVC Wise, Katie manages the day-to-day financial activities at the company, including financial control, budgeting, financial modelling, and finance reporting.
Emma Waugh
People & Culture Advisor
Emma is a HR specialist with over 15 years’ experience, working with North East Lincolnshire Council for 11 of those years.
Emma has been using her LGPS experience at AVC Wise since April 2022, with a primary responsibility for our HR Function.
Amber Sturman
People & Culture Assistant
Amber previously worked as a level three administrator apprentice at an SME, gaining experience in various areas.
Since joining AVC Wise in February 2023, Amber has been managing our People HR system whilst also assisting with other HR activities.
Amanda Evans
Credit Controller
Amanda is an experienced credit control professional, working in accounts for many years prior to joining the AVC Wise Team.
Amanda joined AVC Wise in September 2022 to lead on our credit control and accounts duties.
Dayne Wray
Governance & Quality Officer
Dayne has over 7 years of experience in governance and compliance management, notably managing quality and information security systems prior to joining AVC Wise.
Since joining AVC Wise in February 2023, Dayne has worked to support supplier due diligence whilst also ensuring the maintenance of the wider GQC systems.
William Dunn
Legal & Compliance Officer
William is a legal professional with experience in the Portmeirion Group PLC in-house legal team and in the Ministry of Justice Claims Management Regulation Unit.
This experience has facilitated William at AVC Wise as he works to review commercial contracts and oversees internal compliance.
Ria Kapila
Accounts Administrator
Ria is an AAT qualified bookkeeper with several years of experience in accounts. Successfully handling a broad range of accounting duties throughout her career.
At AVC Wise, Ria will have a wide range of responsibilities, including handling invoicing and general accounts management.
Katie Pashley
Senior B2C Marketing Manager
Katie joined AVC Wise in July 2019, and currently uses her vast knowledge of marketing to lead on B2C activity, ensuring that the benefits of a Shared Cost AVC scheme are effectively communicated to LGPS members.
Prior to joining AVC Wise, Katie graduated the University of Brighton with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Media, and since joining AVC Wise she has completed a Chartered Institute of Marketing Professional Marketing qualification.
Hannah Murphy
Partner Communications Manager
Hannah has an extensive history in communications, previously working as an Internal Communications Manager at Imerys.
Since joining AVC Wise in May 2022 Hannah has been responsible for supporting partners in their communication needs around the promotion of the Shared Cost AVC scheme.
Billie Barron-West
Partner Communications Manager
Prior to joining AVC Wise, Billie had over 5 years of experience in marketing as well as a degree in Psychology from Staffordshire University.
Since joining in June 2023, Billie has assisted partners with their communication requirements related to the Shared Cost AVCs.
Alex Vicente
B2C Marketing Executive
Alex graduated from University College Birmingham with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Events Management. His knowledge of marketing expands even further with his Charted Institute of Marketing Diploma Level 6 in Marketing.
Alex has been using his expertise at AVC Wise since joining in June 2021, he works to support all employee communications whilst also collaborating with the design team to create engaging content.
Emily Venus
B2B Marketing Manager
Emily has over 8 years' experience as a marketer, previously working for large Fintechs such as Wirecard and Railsr.
At AVC Wise, Emily leads on B2B marketing campaigns to attract new partners and build strong relationships with existing ones.
Elisha Atherton
B2B Marketing Support
Before joining AVC Wise Elisha graduated in English Literature at Liverpool John Moores University.
Working closely with the B2B Marketing Manager, Elisha has a keen eye for detail and a flair for copy writing. Her experience supports AVC Wise in attracting new partners and maintaining existing ones.
Martyn Chape
Senior Graphic Designer
Martyn is an experienced graphic designer; previously working for over 22 years in design, social media, video and communications for Local Government.
He joined the AVC Wise team in November 2021, Martyn develops personalised materials for partners which help explain the benefits of Shared Cost AVCs. Ensuring that his creative solutions are to the highest of standards.
Amy Styles
Graphic Designer
Amy has over 7 years’ experience in graphic design, previously working for Serco and Leading Resolutions as a Graphic Designer.
Amy has been utilising this experience at AVC Wise since March 2022, working closely with Martyn on all design requirements, whilst specifically focusing on illustration and motion graphics.
Rick Howard
Email Designer
With over 8 years’ experience in digital marketing, Rick is talented graphic designer, specialising in email design.
Since joining the AVC Wise team in June 2023, Rick has assisted the marketing team with his skills in designing, developing, and distributing marketing emails.
Taryn Sherwood
CRM Manager
Taryn is highly competent in people management, with over 10 years’ experience in the pension industry.
This experience allows Taryn to effectively develop the Zoho system as well as segment on a B2C marketing basis.
Lissie Wallin
B2C Marketing Support
Lissie is experienced and knowledgeable within the world of salary sacrifice. Previously working for an organisation in the automobile sector that offered a salary sacrifice scheme.
At AVC Wise, Lissie works to engage employees, ensuring that they are well informed about Shared Cost AVCs through campaigns, social media and webinars.
Ryan Murtagh
Senior BI Developer
Ryan is a knowledgeable IT specialist, prior to joining AVC Wise he worked with the UK Civil Aviation Authority as the BI Analyst and Developer.
Since joining AVC Wise in February 2022, Ryan has been responsible for managing the reports within all departments as well as working to further develop the data strategy and platform development.
Kelechi Uche-Ukah
Business Analyst
Kelechi has over 7 years’ experience as a business analyst, leading and executing various business integration projects throughout her career.
This experience has facilitated Kelechi in her role at AVC Wise as she works to assist with the implementation of software and system requirements requested by various departments.
Kashan Khan
Product Manager
With over 7 years of experience in business analysis and product management, Kashan has worked in both the private and public sectors including within regulated industries such as Financial, Healthcare, Legal and Rail.
At AVC Wise, Kashan is responsible for developing the Product Strategy, Roadmap as well as managing projects related to enhancing and developing existing and new products
Vikas Gupta
Development Manager
Vikas is a technical professional with knowledge and experience in software development and team management.
At AVC Wise, Vikas is responsible for managing the application development and IT teams. He also ensures that that all the technical requirements are executed and integrated into our products.
Jake Jackson
QA Engineer
Jake is a seasoned test engineer with six years’ experience across diverse industries. Jake is largely self-taught in the realm of automations, showcasing not only his technical skills but also his proactive approach to staying up to date with industry trends.
As a QA Engineer at AVC Wise, Jake’s primary responsibilities revolve around ensuring the accessibility and security of web applications.
Dhruv Patel
Junior BI Analyst
Prior to joining AVC Wise, Dhruv graduated from City, University of London with a degree in computer science. Whilst also interning at Elavon Financial Services as part of the innovation team.
Since joining AVC Wise in November 2022, Dhruv has been assisting in the management of data through the creation of reports that can be utilised by the different teams within the business.
David Fagan
IT Support Engineer
David is experienced in web support, qualified in IT level one, two and three. He previously worked as an IT Engineer, where he managed data for an extensive user base.
At AVC Wise, David is responsible for managing internal users’ technology. In doing so he will assist with IT service requests, the rollout of software, and any other general IT requirements within all sectors of the business.
Ashish Pande
Product Strategy Manager
Ashish has over 10 years of experience in product management and strategy at start-ups and large corporations such as Moody's Analytics. At AVC Wise, he works cross-functionally on strategies, products and solutions that address business and customer needs.