UK - Watson Wyatt partner Peter McDonald has joined PricewaterhouseCoopers as head of its team of 30 actuaries and pension consultants in the north west of England.

“In his new role, Peter will be responsible for developing the provision of pensions services to large and mid-tier PLCs, private companies and public sector organisations in Manchester and the North West,” PWC said.

“Peter’s appointment enhances our strong position in the North West market, supporting the need for a greater corporate focus on the management of company pension schemes,” said PWC Manchester partner Chris Ringrose.

Ringrose, who has overall responsibility for the north of England, will now co-head the firm’s mid-cap pensions practice.

PWC added that McDonald is a fellow of the Institute of Actuaries and specialised in helping companies restructure pension arrangements at Watson Wyatt.

Watson Wyatt said he wouldn’t be specifically replaced.

Meanwhile, Watson Wyatt & Co. in the US has named Gene Wickes as retirement practice director at Watson Wyatt Worldwide in the US. He takes over from Eric Lofgren, who is retiring effective on March 31 after 15 years with the firm.