Shireen joined Hymans Robertson in 2009 and has held various leadership responsibilities within the firm, including Head of Commercial Group, Head of Clients and London Actuarial Practice Leader. Advising both trustees and companies across a broad range of pensions related issues, Shireen is especially experienced at building commercial partnerships with mutually beneficial outcomes. She takes a passionate, proactive and pragmatic approach to capturing opportunities for clients.
After 10 years in the role, James, who has been with the firm since 2002, has decided that it is time to leave the firm to work on projects to address poverty and exclusion in his local community and in India, where he’s been involved in an initiative for 18 years. He will be remaining in the firm until March 2021.
Commenting on Shireen’s appointment, John Dickson, Senior Partner, says: “Shireen has been a driving force within our firm for many years and I know that she will make an outstanding contribution as a leader in her new role as Managing Partner. She brings bundles of energy and enthusiasm to the role, essential ingredients as we navigate lockdown over the short term and our ambitious strategic goals over the long term. She has a great combination of tackling everything with a real passion for getting the best outcomes and motivating and stimulating those that work with her to do the same. I’m looking forward to working with Shireen and feeling that energy course through the firm as we embark on a new chapter in our history.
“As an independent partnership, we hold true to our values, as we continue to think innovatively and deliver consistent quality in what we do for our clients. Shireen is a great role model for those values. Despite the seismic change we have seen in our world over the last few months, she will no doubt build on the strong foundations those values give us and lead us through our centenary in 2021 and into the next hundred years for our business.
“James is incredibly committed and dedicated in everything he does. We have benefited enormously from that as a firm for nearly two decades. During his time as Managing Partner over the last decade, he has been instrumental in ensuring we were ready for the growth we have subsequently experienced on his watch and done so without losing touch with the underlying culture and values that have driven that success. I’m certain he will apply the same commitment and dedication to his local and overseas communities.”
Commenting on her plans for her new role in the context of the current environment, Shireen Anisuddin adds: “I‘m thrilled to be taking up this role within Hymans Robertson at a time when we’re embracing so much innovation, both as a firm and in the market more widely. During the Covid-19 pandemic we have seen unprecedented circumstances that have challenged us all. It has been great to see everyone within the firm rising to meet that challenge. We’ve focused on ensuring we continue to deliver a first-class service to our clients and customers along with the wellbeing of our staff and the continued financial strength of the firm. We’ve seamlessly transitioned to us all working from home.
“Our business has diversified significantly in recent years. We’ve invested in innovative ideas and have driven changes in the way our markets operate, and in every area of our firm. Over recent months, we and our clients have really seen the benefits of this investment, particularly in digital and online services and most notably in our administration business.
“We’ll undoubtedly face new challenges, given the expected economic downturn, and there will be a need for continued innovation and diversification as we emerge out of the pandemic. We’ll embrace those challenges. We’re already innovating in the digital space with nearly 200 specialists ranging from modellers to UX designers, but there will be more to do. Bringing new people on board who can build on this will ensure our teams remain well equipped to advise our clients as they face the new challenges in the months and years ahead in the midst of this anticipated uncertainty.
“As we emerge from the current situation, there is a strong platform for us to focus more on our broader responsibility to the environment and the wider community. As a business we were already focusing on our overall impact, including reducing our carbon footprint, an area of ever more importance. We take our responsibilities very seriously and also believe that other firms that do will perform more strongly and consistently over time.
“I’m immensely proud to be part of our firm, working with passionate colleagues who are committed to driving positive change for our clients, our markets and beyond in a sustainable and inclusive way. Listening to our clients to understand their needs and objectives, and helping them achieve these goals, is at the core of our approach. As we continue to grow and diversify we’ll strive to continue making a real difference to our clients and the lives of pension scheme members and long-term savers. Together, we resolve to build better futures.”
As he passes the role to Shireen, James Entwisle comments: “A critical feature of leadership is knowing when to step aside, and my judgement is that that time is now. Refreshed thinking and new energy will help build on the fantastic momentum we have in our firm. Personally, my sense of God’s calling for me is that it is time to turn such gifts as he has given me to address some of the deeper and seemingly intractable problems of poverty and exclusion in my local community and in India. I’m excited to plunge into dark places and see if I can carry a bit of light into them. I’m handing over to an outstanding individual in the process. Shireen has already shown her appetite and ability to hoover up masses of understanding of the many issues to juggle on the Management Board. And those who know her will attest to her teamworking, friendly, no-nonsense style that will make her a great Managing Partner for Hymans Robertson.”
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