Today’s news in brief – 5/8/2024

PwC has named Gareth Henty as its new head of pensions, reflecting the firm’s ongoing growth and evolution in this sector. Henty, who has been with PwC for 18 years and became a partner in 2016, brings extensive experience advising on pensions strategy, funding, de-risking, and governance. Additionally, Mark Jennings has been appointed head of the pensions employer covenant and restructuring team. The firm’s national pensions team includes over 300 consultants, actuaries, and specialists. Henty expressed excitement about leading the practice during a pivotal time for the pensions industry, highlighting PwC’s agility and comprehensive service offerings. Interpath has appointed James Dewar and Joyce Thomson as new Scottish corporate insolvency practitioners. Dewar, based in Edinburgh, brings over 20 years of experience and will lead Interpath’s Edinburgh team, handling high-profile cases and heading the pensions advisory practice. Thomson, based in Glasgow, specialises in Members’ Voluntary Liquidations and will take on solvent liquidation appointments across the UK. The firm’s Scottish team, with over 70 staff, continues to expand, including into mainland Europe. Dewar and Thomson will support corporate sponsors and trustees, focusing on restructuring and turnaround support amid evolving economic challenges. Evelyn Partners will headline sponsor the inaugural UK Padel Schools and School Alumni Championships, promoting the sport among secondary school students across the UK. The event will be held in Bristol this September, with free participation for students. Nick Baker, CEO of UK Padel, and Andrew Middleton, group chief marketing and commercial officer at Evelyn Partners, emphasised the positive impact of Padel on physical health and mental well-being. The tournament will feature girls, boys, and mixed events, fostering a fun, dynamic, and social environment for young athletes. BDO has appointed Tim Betts as head of Business Restructuring, succeeding Mark Shaw, the newly elected managing partner. Betts, who joined BDO in 2003 and became a partner in 2019, will lead a team of 22 partners and around 150 staff. The team provides services including Restructuring Advisory, Insolvency, Corporate Simplification, and Pensions Covenant Advisory. Betts has extensive experience in the Government and Not for Profit sector and recently served as COO of BDO’s Advisory business. He looks forward to further developing the restructuring practice and leveraging the firm’s comprehensive service offerings.