GERMANY – Hewitt Associates has hired Dieter Oppermann, the former head of Mercer’s international consulting operations in Germany.

It said he would lead the international consulting group at its BodeHewitt arm. A Mercer spokesman said he’s been replaced by Stefan Oecking.

“He is an expert in international issues and has specialised on the global management of pension vehicles in corporate groups including accounting requirements according to international standards,” Hewitt said of its new employee.

"With Dieter Oppermann, we have in place an outstanding manager with broad experience in international pension schemes and excellent knowledge of key markets,” said BodeHewitt management board member Carsten Hölscher.

“His experience is very valuable to BodeHewitt in today's times when the risk management of global pension obligations is becoming increasingly complex."

Oppermann said: “My goal is to continue extending BodeHewitt's international competence and market share.

“The strong BodeHewitt brand and the company's international structure are an excellent foundation to achieve this goal."

BodeHewitt was formed in July 2005 as a joint venture between Hewitt Associates and Bode Grabner Beye. Its clients include names such as industrial giant Siemens.

In other news, Hewitt has appointed KPMG pensions veteran Lorraine Harper to spearhead and coordinate its UK retirement practice's pension scheme governance service.

A Hewitt spokesperson told IPE that Harper - formerly director of KPMG's national pensions practice - is not replacing anyone.

Harper was at KPMG for 15 years, and played a key role in the establishment of the firm's pensions administration consulting practice.