Mike Thirwell

Trustee Director

Contact Information

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Mike has experience across a broad range of defined benefit and defined contribution pension arrangements and is recognised for his pragmatic approach and collaborative working style.

He acts across a range of trustee appointments as Chair of Trustee Boards, Co-Trustee and Sole Trustee.

He began his career in investment consultancy before moving into professional trusteeship and has developed extensive experience across the full range of issues facing pension schemes. Mike works with organisations of all sizes, from small charities and non-profit organisations through to large multinational listed companies. He has particular expertise working with privately owned SMEs and family businesses, many of which are progressing towards insurer transactions and scheme wind-up.

Mike places a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement, working constructively with sponsoring employers to understand their commercial objectives while ensuring trustees remain focused on achieving positive member outcomes. His outcome-focused approach combines technical expertise with practical judgement, helping boards navigate complex challenges in a pragmatic, proportionate and cost-effective manner.

  • Adviser oversight and value management
  • Buy-in, buy-out and wind-up
  • Corporate restructuring, transactions and employer-related matters
  • Defined benefit pensions
  • Defined contribution pensions
  • Funding and actuarial valuations
  • GMP equalisation and benefit rectification
  • Investment strategy and risk management
  • Regulatory compliance and governance frameworks
  • Stakeholder engagement and sponsor relations
  • Advises employers ranging from small charities and non-profits to large multinational listed companies.
  • Significant experience supporting privately owned SMEs and family-owned businesses.
  • Guided schemes from ongoing operation through to insurer transactions and final wind-up.
  • Led pension schemes through complex corporate restructurings and employer-related projects.
  • Managed funding negotiations and actuarial valuation discussions.
  • Oversaw investment strategy reviews and implementation.
  • Managed adviser appointment and transition projects.
  • Worked closely with The Pensions Regulator on a range of regulatory matters.
  • Led buy-in and buy-out exercises and wider endgame planning initiatives.
  • Developed strong relationships across the pensions adviser community to support effective decision-making.
  • Delivered complex pension projects on time and within budget.
  • Strong focus on stakeholder engagement, governance and sponsor relations.
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