UK - Roger Cobley, the president of the Pensions Management Institute, has been appointed chairman of institutional consulting firm Stamford Associates.

"Stamford Associates Ltd. is pleased to announce the appointment of Roger Cobley as chairman of the company," it said.

Cobley was previously director of group pensions at Fisons plc, manager of international pensions at Rank Xerox and manager of international consulting at Mercer. He has been a director at Stamford for two years.

He is a fellow of the Institute of Actuaries and the Pensions Management Institute, and an associate of the Society of Actuaries.

"Roger has been on the board for the past two years and we have known, worked with and respected him for many years prior to that," Stamford said.

"We are truly delighted that he has accepted this important post. His experience in senior management positions within the industry will allow him to provide first class leadership and direction to the company".

Cobley added: "Stamford Associates remain pioneers and market leaders in investment consultancy services and the provision of multi-manager structures."

Stamford was set up in 1984 and advises on institutional investment.

Meanwhile, the PMI and the International Employee Benefits Association said they have awarded certificates to six of the 13 candidates who completed the Diploma in International Employee Benefits in 2004.

A presentation ceremony took place following the IEBA annual general meeting last week.