L&G appoints Jayesh Patel as Head of UK DC Distribution

L&G today announces the appointment of two new senior hires: Jayesh Patel as its new Head of UK Defined Contribution Distribution and Louise Whyte as Head of Defined Contribution Sales & Strategy.

Jayesh will have responsibility for developing and driving the leadership of L&G’s UK DC client and business development teams, working closely with employers and trustees and ensuring a constant focus on improving member outcomes. 

With over 20 years in the industry, he brings significant experience of working with clients on DC pensions across investments, member experience and retirement support, together with strong commercial leadership. He joined L&G in January 2024 as Head of DC Clients. Prior to this, Jayesh was Co-Head of DC Consulting at Willis Towers Watson (WTW), where he was jointly responsible for the UK DC team’s client, colleague and financial management.  

In addition to Jayesh’s appointment, Louise Whyte joins as Head of DC Sales & Strategy to drive forward growth of the DC & Workplace Savings business. Louise joins from Scottish Widows where she was DC Strategic Relationship Director for more than four years and was previously at SEI and BlackRock. Further appointments will be announced in due course. 

Growing L&G’s leading DC & Workplace Savings business is a strategic commercial priority for the company. L&G is the largest DC pension provider in the UK, with more than £180 billion in total DC AUM and 5.6 million members¹. 

The business has grown its DC client team with a focus on partnering with employers and trustees. Furthermore, over the past 12 months it has also strengthened its proposition for members with the launch of new investment fund options, including Private Market investments, and a range of digital guidance tools to better engage members at every stage of their savings journey. 

References:

¹5.6m figure correct as of 31 05 2025, AUM correct as of FY results March 2025