Ex-Origen MD to head Punter Southall pension venture

Punter Southall has confirmed the launch of a new at-retirement division, called Aspire, which will be headed by two former senior executives from Origen.

Former Origen managing director Stephen Greenstreet and head of retirement strategy Rob Tinsley will be heading up the new venture.

Mr Greenstreet stepped down as managing director of Aegon-owned Origen in July after the business, along with Positive Solutions, posted a combined £2m loss for the first quarter of 2011.

Its team will work with Punter Southall’s corporate and individual clients and in partnership with providers, banks, employee benefits consultants, independent financial advisers and affinity groups, the firm said in a statement.

The full platform will launch later this year with advised, non-advised and technology-only packaged services.

According to Mr Greenstreet, Aspire will offer a fully comprehensive at-retirement package and will also provide pre–retirement counselling to educate individuals on the impact of retirement and how to develop a sustainable income stream.

He said: “There are several broking platforms available in the market currently but Aspire will deliver additional vital communication and guidance in the run-up to retirement, helping individuals fully understand and appreciate the importance of using their open market option and making the right decisions.”

This latest move comes after a busy start to 2012 for the Punter Southall Group, which celebrates its 25th anniversary next year.

In January, it announced it had taken full ownership of a 50:50 joint venture of boutique fund manager PSigma Asset Management, run by Bill Mott and Ian Chimes.