Punter Southall Aspire, the new workplace savings and pensions business, is boosting its DC investment team with the appointment of Christos Bakas, a former DC Investment Consultant at Capita. Christos will play significant part in Punter Southall Aspire’s growth strategy.

Christos brings to the role extensive industry experience and knowledge of pensions and investment. At Capita, he specialised in providing advice, research and counsel to corporate clients and trustees on all aspects of DC investment strategies. Prior to this, he was a Fund Analyst at Aviva (Friends Life) and in the past, he worked at Payden&Rygel as a Fixed-Income Analyst.

At Punter Southall Aspire, Christos will provide consultancy advice and guidance to clients and trustees on investment issues, governance and strategy, helping them better understand the long-term investment needs of their employees. He will also work closely with the team at Punter Southall’s CAMRADATA, who specialise in institutional investment and sustainability analysis, to produce bespoke investment research to help clients better understand investment data, market trends and the performance of their schemes.

Commenting on his new role Christos Bakas said: “Punter Southall Aspire offers a fresh approach to workplace pensions and savings, with a strong focus on technology innovation, governance and engaging communications. I look forward to advising clients, enhancing the services we offer including extending our research capabilities and maximising opportunities for business development and growth.”

Steve Butler, Chief Executive, Punter Southall Aspire said, “There are challenges ahead this year for corporate clients including the review of auto-enrollment, pensions administration and governance concerns, the uncertain investment environment and the ongoing struggle to engage and encourage members to save more so they can retire with the best possible pensions.

“We have found that more than ever our clients need guidance and advice to help them navigate these complexities.  We have appointed Christos because he has significant industry experience. His blend of knowledge and insight about pensions and investment strategies is something our clients will find invaluable. He will be a real asset to the business.”