Hi, I’m Helena, I’m a Member Nominated Trustee

I make a difference to the GEVPTL Board because I am passionate about ensuring people understand their pension, I contribute to decision making and making sure that member’s voices are heard.

Now that I don’t work full time (re-firing not retiring) I spend my time:

• Travelling around the UK in my Motorhome exploring the wonderful countryside we have on our doorstep
• Supporting my daughters as they embark on their independent lives, continuing to be a positive role model
• Using my skills and knowledge to contribute in the voluntary sector, focusing on organisations that want to make a difference within local communities and aspiring to make a difference to people’s lives.

I really enjoy spending time outside, I love walking with my chocolate Labrador – I find I have my best thoughts and ideas while I am walking and enjoying the open air. I also enjoy the occasional yoga class.

When I joined the TTT, the things I enjoyed were variety and complexity! I enjoy having the opportunity to contribute and participate in decision making, representing the members of the scheme and ensuring member involvement and engagement is a natural part of our thought process.

The thing I love most about the Trustee Board is that we all bring a diverse range of knowledge, experiences and backgrounds and this diversity leads to healthy debates and discussions, ultimately supporting effective decision making that ensures we fulfil our responsibilities as a trustee board.

Hi, I’m Stu Bage I’m a CNTD role. I make a difference to the GEVPTL Board because I am enthusiastic, passionate and happy to speak up.

As well as a Trustee, I’m also involved in many active things - I am Search and Rescue technician volunteering with LeicSAR Lowland Rescue, as well as keeping fit through Rugby and a black belt in Taekwondo.

I am most passionate about Rugby and my favourite way to spend my spare time is to play or referee on a rugby pitch. It’s a sport I have been involved in for over 40 years and still enjoy every aspect of it.

One of the main things I have learnt since being a Trustee is… there is so much I didn’t know about the scheme but I have really enjoyed learning and expanding my knowledge. Its always good to learn new things.

When I retire, I’d like to… take time out and go on a Lions tour following the team as they travel round, ideally in New Zealand. A once in a lifetime holiday for me.

I enjoy watching sports, particularly football, cricket and golf and try to keep fit at the gym. Outside of this, my time is mainly spent with my wife and two daughters and socialising with friends. 

I’m currently the Global Compliance Leader for FieldCore which is the Services part of GE and supports Power and Renewables businesses. 

I first got involved with the Trustee through my compliance role in GE, working as a co-optee (a precursor to the TTT roles) and from there got really interested in the running of the Scheme. When I was asked to join as a Trustee, I jumped at the chance and have been enjoying it ever since. 

The thing I enjoy most about being a Trustee is the variety and opportunities to learn and work with some very knowledgeable people. I didn’t appreciate how much there is to run a pension scheme, from the admin, to investments, to governance and pensions law and regulations. It’s also great to learn from each other on the Board and see how together we keep the members’ best interests at the front of all we do. 

I’ve been surprised by the incredible amount of work that happens on a daily basis to enable a pension scheme to run successfully.  

If you’re thinking about joining the Trustee Talent Team, just go for it. We welcome everyone, you don’t need to be a pensions expert, just bring yourself to the table and prepare to learn something new and rewarding.

I’m passionate about the community, and love to fundraise for many causes. I also enjoy long rural walks with the dogs and loathe shopping!

I’m currently a Global QMS leader for GE Gas Power and when I saw the Trustee Talent Team information, I was very interested. Firstly, because I had been a trustee of a small local charity and knew the work that went into it and the rewards you got out of it, and secondly because, like most people, as I get older, I seem to be more interested in my pension.

The Trustee Talent Team gives you the opportunity to try out being a Trustee. It has given me the time to learn and the first nine months were all basic training, attending the various board meetings and essentially getting to know the team.

The most surprising thing about it so far is that it’s taken more time than I envisaged, but it has been a particularly busy year. As one topic is managed effectively, another one is beginning its journey, so there’s plenty to get involved in.

The thing I enjoy most about being in the TTT is the diversity. I am looking forward to a fulfilling 2025 with the team.

If you’re thinking about applying, do it! Who knows what they want out of their Pensions and Trustees better than you?

I live in Leicestershire with my partner, our two grown up boys and pet labradoodle. I’m a keen mountain biker, occasional runner, clumsy skier and generally just love being outdoors. I’m also a season ticket holder at Leicester City and am now back to reality again after several years of success! I am the Global Pensions Leader for GE Vernova, but with special focus in the UK as the GEAPS and GE Energy Pension Schemes are two of our largest pension plans. I work closely with the Trustee, attending all board and committee meetings, helping to shape the strategy for the Schemes. I have seen a lot of positive change on the GEAPS during the time I have worked on the Scheme, most notably since the acquisition of Alstom by GE in 2015, resulting in a much-improved funding position and governance structure. More recently, it has been great to see the dedication and energy the Trustee has given to taking the GE Energy Pension Scheme under its wing and how it has looked to harmonise best practices across the Schemes.

Occasionally there are challenging discussions between the Company and Trustee, but our relationship is one of collaboration and trust and we are usually able to agree a solution that works for both parties….and ultimately the Schemes’ members. A more recent development has been the introduction of the Trustee Talent Team which is helping to bring more diversity and energy to the Trustee Board. It has been rewarding to see members of the Schemes take the plunge having had little or no pensions exposure previously and seeing them develop, gain in confidence, then make the transition to MNTD and make a real difference to the way the Schemes are run. So why not give it a try yourself……and see if you can make a difference!

I’ve been a Member Nominated Trustee since 2022 after spending one year training with the Trustee Talent Team and I care about Fairness.

I live with my wife in rural Central Scotland and we enjoy walking locally with our cocker spaniel, Scout. We have a large family; 5 grown up children and 8 grandchildren and our life revolves around our family. I’m a Track and Field enthusiast and was a successful endurance running coach for many years, I enjoy Rugby and have a season ticket to watch Scotland with my sons and grandson. I exercise regularly and enjoy cooking.

My father continued to work beyond normal retirement age to fund his retirement and ended up with less than a year of good health during retirement before passing. This affected me. My motivation to apply to join the Trustee Talent Team was a desire to help members understand their pension so as when the time comes they can make an informed decision about enjoying a longer and better funded retirement.

I had no idea of what was involved in running a pension scheme, I was initially surprised at how many moving parts make up our scheme and now appreciate how much effort is needed to navigate the scheme through a constantly moving pension landscape.

I’m a software engineer and I had reached the point in my career where I had lost purpose and felt empty, in joining the Board I found a sense of purpose. What I enjoy most about being a Trustee is contributing towards resolving the shared challenges with the other Trustees and advisers, there is an huge sense of satisfaction in being part of an inclusive team of diverse individuals with a collective goal.

I love to travel and see different cultures and maybe even learn to cook food from that country. My ideal holiday is to wrap in Formula One races. I’ve followed since I was a child and do my best to never miss qualifiers and the race. I never answer the phone when I’m watching F1.

I retired from GE in the summer of 2022, but before that I was pensions manager at GE for the last 7 years, having been in pensions for over 30 years. I love pensions, and really enjoy working with the advisers and the diversity of the other Trustees, so I was very pleased to be asked to stay as a company-nominated trustee when I retired.

As a Trustee, you get to work with diverse and interesting people, make a difference, and you are always learning something new and interesting. I was surprised how enjoyable and rewarding it is.

If you’re thinking about joining the Trustee Talent Team, I’d suggest you do some research by looking at The Pensions Regulator website, but most importantly, if you think it’s interesting, apply and give it a try. You can then see if it’s something you’re interested in while you learn about pensions and running the Scheme.

Hi, I am the Secretary to the Trustee and have been in this role since 2017. I work closely supporting the Trustees and the TTT. I am part of a team here at Aon (where I work) and we love working with the Board and helping members of the TTT settle in, learn and feel part of the team.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, cycling, sea swimming – basically anything to get me out into the outdoors. I have been working in Bristol for over 25 years and live there with my wife and 2 kids. I know football is a polarising subject but I will put it out there that I am an avid follower of Liverpool FC 😊

Hi, I’m Craig and I’m a Company Nominated Trustee Director.

Having recently become a Trustee Director I have been made very welcome by the team who have been open and available to help in my knowledge and understanding of the pension schemes under our responsibility. I hope to make a difference to the GEVPTL Board using skills acquired as a Chartered Accountant and decades of experience within the finance function at General Electric.

My favourite way to spend my time is with my wife and three teenage children who all have a broad range of passions for very different hobbies outside of school including cricket, climbing and musical theatre. Family holidays are often focused around the beach/sea where we all enjoy scuba diving. I am also a keen follower of rugby union and in particular the Welsh national team where I enjoy attending matches at the Millennium Stadium.

Since becoming a Trustee Director I have been most impressed by the knowledge and passion that the Board commit towards equality, diversity and inclusion. I feel that this is an integral part as to how we as a team discuss challenging topics and reach optimal decisions for our members.

When I retire, I would like to travel and see more of the world, especially Asia or possibly an Ashes test match in Australia.

Having studied Mechanical Engineering and Economics at Birmingham University, followed by a Chinese language course in Beijing, I started my career with GEC in 1988 as a Project Engineer working at the site of the Yueyang Power Station project in China. After a stint in the Tendering Department, I was given the opportunity to move first to Taiwan and then Shanghai, to take up project commercial management roles on the Ho-Ping and Waigaoqiao power station projects.

In 2004 I left Alstom and moved to Hong Kong to work for CLP Holdings Limited, the power utility serving around 80% of the population of Hong Kong. Starting as the head of procurement for a major emissions reduction project at the Castle Peak B power station, I stayed with CLP until I retired in late 2022, having moved through a variety of roles, including taking on responsibility for the CLP Group’s investments in Taiwan and South-East Asia and finally leading the Renewable Energy projects and operations team.

I am married with two adult children. Now getting used to not being in full-time work, my wife and I are enjoying renovating our house in England and travelling to the remote places in China that we have never previously had time to visit.

Hello - I’m Jamille McCullough and a member of the TTT (Talent Trustee Team).

I make a difference to the GEVPTL Board because I’m collaborative, a strategic thinker and an effective communicator.

As well as a Trustee, I’m also a hot yoga enthusiast who enjoys spending time with my friends and fur baby Matteo.

I’m most passionate about supporting people from disadvantaged communities. I have supported orphanages in Africa and will often bring donations with me when travelling to various countries to support the local communities during my visit. My purpose in life is to help others which bring me joy and fulfilment.

The best holiday I ever went on was Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda. The experience was surreal and a testimony to my bravery that I will cherish forever as I had the opportunity to be in the presence of a Silverback who decided to sit next to me. The gorillas are gentle giants, and I felt a sense of calmness in their natural habitat.

I became a Trustee because I wanted to contribute to the operation of the pension scheme which will not only affect me, but all members to make a difference in their lives.

When I retire, I would like to devote the remainder of my life to the charitable causes that I support on a much wider scale by devoting more of my personal time and financial means with the intent of establishing a trust to continue my efforts upon my death.

Hi, I’m Sam and I’m a Company Nominated Trustee Talent Team member.

I’ve been working at GE for approximately 15 years all of which has been within Finance roles. The opportunity to utilise my Finance experience to try and bring fresh perspectives to the GEVPTL board was what initially attracted me to become a TTT member back in 2023. I also wanted to understand in greater depth how pension schemes work. What I’ve found so valuable about the TTT role is the opportunity and encouragement to participate in a huge variety of training covering diverse topics such as Fund Management, Cyber Security, Unconscious Bias and Pension Law, to name just a few. Always being curious is embedded in the TTT culture.

Outside of work, my free time is dominated by the sporting activities of my two young sons (athletics, golf, rugby, swimming, football...!). I’ve taken a particularly keen interest in the local community youth football club and volunteer on their committee as Treasurer. I also coach a youth team and am working toward a recognised ‘UEFA C’ coaching qualification.

Hi, I’m Sarah Falconer, and I’m part of the Trustee Talent Team.

I joined the TTT in late 2023 and have spent this first year learning more about the scheme, what it means to be a trustee, and shadowing the Funding and Investment Committee. What’s really struck me about the Trustees and TTTs is the focus on ensuring the scheme members are at the forefront of any decisions - from investment strategy to communication plans to daily administration, the impact on the membership is front and centre. I’ve learned a lot, and I have a lot more to learn…….

I spend as much time as I can outdoors. I walk my dogs through the Warwickshire countryside, potter on my allotment, or take time out by the sea. This year I’m planning to explore new parts of Britain, with long weekends away.

I’m still working with GE Vernova, with a career touching on project management, operational leadership and most recently leading change in our UK business.

I have been part of GE since 2007 with a diverse range of roles all within the HR function. My time in Total Rewards gave me my first flavor of pensions and one of those projects was to implement pension auto enrolment and since them I have been a pension geek!

My current role, as Chief of Staff within GE Vernova leadership team has given me a greater perspective on the way our company operates globally around financials, governance, and engagement, which allow me to bring these insights to the pension as a TTT.

Outside of GE Vernova, I love to run with my dogs.