UK – Watson Wyatt senior consultant Dave Robertson has left after almost 10 years to join Mercer Consulting as a principal within its retirement business.

Robertson was based at Watson Wyatt’s Leeds office since 1997, and answered to retirement practice leader Ian Spencer. He left the firm in April.

Robertson, whose appointment is effective immediately, will be based in London and answer to UK retirement business leader Frank Oldham.

Robertson, 44, will be part of Mercer’s city retirement team. This is a new appointment.

With more than 22 years’ experience of retirement consulting, he will manage client accounts, and provide pensions and benefits advice primarily to corporate clients.

“Dave’s expertise will be a considerable asset to our team and I am delighted to welcome him to Mercer,” said Oldham in a statement.

In other news, Mercer’s John Sydenham has left to join Hewitt Associates as a senior consultant.

In his previous role, Sydenham was responsible for a varied client portfolio, acting as scheme actuary to clients with pension assets of up to £500m.

He has advised clients on all aspects of pension benefits, including plan design, mergers and acquisitions, accounting and more recently in directly assisting trustees in their roles.

Based in Bristol, John will advise trustees on all pension related issues, including discussions with corporate sponsors and with the Pensions Regulator over funding and clearance matters.

According to Hewitt’s UK retirement practice leader Andy Cox, “The industry is continuing to go through considerable legislative change and his appointment demonstrates Hewitt's ongoing commitment to providing services for trustees.”