IGG hires Andrew McIlhinney as Trustee Director

Andrew joins from DLA Piper, where he was a Partner in the firm’s Leeds office and led DLA Piper’s Yorkshire pensions practice. A lawyer by background, he has spent his career advising trustees and corporates on all aspects of pensions law. He is a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales and a longstanding member of the Association of Pension Lawyers.

Andrew will be based in IGG’s Manchester office, one of the firm’s five UK hubs, bringing strong connections across the North West, Yorkshire and beyond to a team supporting a growing client base in the region. He will take up his role on 7 September.

The appointment comes in response to growing client demand for professional trustees with legal expertise, with pension schemes operating in an increasingly complex regulatory environment, and stronger scheme funding meaning more complex long-term strategic choices they must navigate. IGG’s recent Pensions Balancing Act Report found that two-thirds of corporate decision-makers (62%) admit their pension responsibilities create pressure or concern within their role, with future legal or regulatory change the most commonly cited burden.

Commenting on his appointment, Andrew McIlhinney said:

“After more than 20 years advising trustee boards and being a Trustee myself, I’m looking forward to sitting on the other side of the table on more schemes. Buyout is no longer the automatic destination it once was, and the rules governing what schemes can do with a stronger funding position are still being written. Much of that comes down to the detail of each scheme’s own deed and rules, alongside regulation and legislation, which is where I have spent most of my career. I look forward to working with sponsors, trustees and members across the North West and more widely to help navigate increasingly complex long-term strategic scenarios.”

Also commenting, Grant Suckling, Chief Commercial Officer at IGG, said:

“Andrew’s hire further deepens the quality of talent here at IGG. His skillset and experience will be invaluable to clients navigating a changing landscape. When it comes to pensions, legal and regulatory risk should be high up the boardroom agenda. As a risk you cannot hedge, you should have the right expertise in the room such as that Andrew brings. I’m pleased to welcome him, and to be adding that strength as we continue to expand our presence in our regional hubs.”