Meet the Plan Secretary

Gavin Fennell, Secretary to TotalEnergies Pension Trustee UK Limited

Can you give us a little bit of information on your background with TotalEnergies?

I joined TotalEnergies in February 2016 to assist the UK Pension Department. Prior to that I worked for the Shell Pension Scheme. I have worked in the pension industry for over 20 years, where I started as a junior pensions administrator for a very small final salary pension scheme (MK Electrics).

In March 2020 I was appointed to the role as Secretary to TotalEnergies Pension Trustee UK Limited as the primary liaison and to oversee all administration / governance arrangements relating to the Plan, where I am supported by my colleagues Elizabeth Sumner, Kate Horan and Mat Earwicker in the UK Pension Department (UKPD).

What do you enjoy about your role?

In the pensions world you will never find two days the same and there are times the Plan can be demanding, but the best thing for me is the strong working relationships with my colleagues, the Trustee Board, and the Trustee advisors.

Pensions can be a complex world for many people, but it’s very rewarding to know you are the face of the Pension Plan for members to turn to.

So, tell me what it’s like working with the Trustee Board?

Where do I start? Demanding, challenging…no, not at all! They’re a great bunch of people to support. It’s a pleasure working with them.

What are the qualities of a Trustee Director?

Willingness to commit, reliability, honesty, decisiveness, impartiality and being organised.