Railpen names new chief HR officer

Pension scheme operator Railpen has promoted Paula Brack to chief human resources officer.

Brack, who joined Railpen in 2018 as head of HR, moves up to replace Mark Martin, who retires this month after more than two years leading the body’s people function.

Chief executive John Chilman said he anticipated Brack offering a “positive challenge” to the leadership team.

“To successfully deliver on our purpose to secure our members’ future, we need the very best people who passionately believe in that purpose and feel supported in delivering it,” said Chilman.

“I am delighted that we’ve been able to promote Paula into this role, and look forward to the positive challenge she will bring to the executive team and the enhancements her team will bring to all our colleagues at Railpen.”

Brack said the organisation had “exciting” plans for its 550 employees.

“Railpen is dedicated to creating an inclusive culture that nurtures and develops diverse talent while supporting our people,” she said.

“We have spent the last two years developing and embedding new foundations within our policies and organisational culture, and we have some exciting plans for the years ahead that will further enable Railpen to offer an exceptional employee experience.”

Since joining Railpen, which runs the £35 billion Railways Pension Scheme as well as many other retirement funds across sectors including energy, infrastructure and financial services, Brack has led delivery of several key initiatives related to boosting employee experience.

Her appointment to the organisation’s executive team follows those of Ellen Watson-Hicks as chief risk and compliance officer and Sally-Ann James as general counsel in October 2021.