L&G appoints Jayesh Patel as Head of UK DC Distribution
His appointment continues the commercial momentum of L&G’s market leading Defined Contribution (DC) & Workplace Savings business.
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.
Jayesh Patel, Head of UK DC Distribution, L&G: “It’s an incredibly exciting time in DC pensions right now. I am delighted to take on this role and partner with clients and advisers to help employers and trustees deliver improved member outcomes. Since joining L&G, I have been incredibly impressed with the focus on serving clients and developing the proposition to new heights for members.”
Sarah Aitken, Chief Client Officer, L&G said: “The success of our business is built on listening to our clients and providing solutions that make a genuine difference to member outcomes. Jayesh brings deep client insight and the breadth and depth of his experience and knowledge is a real asset to the team. He has shown himself to be a trusted partner to clients and industry participants and he will play a key role in our continued growth story.”
References:
15.6m figure correct as of 31 05 2025, AUM correct as of FY results March 2025
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Notes to editors
Established in 1836, L&G is one of the UK's leading financial services groups and a major global investor, with £1.2 trillion in total assets under management (as at FY25) of which c. 43% (c. £0.5 trillion) is international. We have a highly synergistic business model, which continues to drive strong returns. We are a leading player in Institutional Retirement, in Retail Savings and Protection, and in Asset Management through both public and private markets. Across the Group, we are committed to responsible investing and dedicated to serving the long-term savings and investment needs of customers and society.
L&G’s Retail business is a leading provider of retirement and protection solutions. We aim to support our 12.4 million customers throughout their financial lifetimes.
We focus on helping the customers of today and tomorrow achieve better long-term outcomes. We use the latest technology to connect with them quickly, efficiently and wherever possible in highly personalised ways.
As at the first half of 2025, our workplace pension platform served 5.6 million members, with net flows of £4 billion. Retail annuity sales were £745 million and lifetime mortgage advances (including retirement interest only mortgages) were £104 million. Our retail protection gross premium income was £771 million.