David Martland

With over two decades of senior HR experience across both public and private sectors, David joined Align Pensions in 2022 to focus on professional trusteeship. His early career in local government and the police service laid the foundation for a transition into the corporate world, where he went on to lead HR teams across Western Europe for a major multinational service organisation.

Throughout this period, David was responsible for the employee benefits of approximately 9,000 individuals. He served as Chair of Trustees for large and complex UK DB schemes and led governance committees for DC arrangements. His exposure to dynamic, acquisitive environments equipped him with a deep understanding of managing pension risk, navigating TUPE processes, and developing long-term benefit strategies for newly integrated employee groups.

An accredited professional trustee with the Association of Professional Pension Trustees (APPT), David acts as lead trustee on a number of DB schemes as well as offering specialist support as required. He plays a significant role in designing and implementing scheme journey plans, helping to ensure that member outcomes remain protected while maintaining alignment with sponsor objectives.

His ability to interpret regulatory requirements through a commercial lens, combined with his work with overseas sponsors and corporate background, means that he is well placed to position the demands of UK based pension schemes that helps aligns the objectives of the pension scheme between all stakeholders. This includes delivering an approach that makes the best use of advisers in delivering cost effective solutions.

David is recognised for his inclusive, solutions-driven approach. He fosters effective collaboration between co-trustees, sponsors, and advisers, enabling well-informed and timely decision-making. His unique blend of governance knowledge, strategic leadership and operational insight allows him to bring clarity and direction to even the most challenging scenarios.