New pensions, health and benefits administrator Aptia has appointed a Group General Counsel and Company Secretary ahead of its 2024 launch.

Melissa Hetherington (pictured above) joins Aptia following a 25 year career including 15 years at top tier global law firms and roles with major international financial services companies. Most recently Melissa served as Head of Strategic Projects, Group Legal at AXA Group.

Prior to that Melissa held roles as Chief Counsel for International at Marsh McLennan and Deputy Group General Counsel of Jardine Lloyd Thompson plc (JLT). Melissa will be responsible for leading the legal, risk and compliance functions of Aptia globally.

Commenting on her new appointment Melissa said: “I am delighted to be joining Aptia at this critical point and to have the opportunity to contribute to the growth and innovation of the Aptia Group. There is an exciting journey ahead for Aptia and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Aptia is set for a 2024 launch, following a deal funded by global private equity house Bain Capital. Acquiring Mercer’s UK pensions and US health and benefits administration businesses, Aptia is primed to manage pensions and benefits for more than seven million people across 1,100 companies.

Melissa will join a highly respected and experienced management team that includes Bala Viswanathan, Group CEO, Dominic Burke, Group Chairman, and Mike Methley, Group President and Chief Administration Officer, who have worked at both JLT and Marsh McLennan and have a proven track record of building businesses that deliver.

Bala Viswanathan said: “We are thrilled to welcome Melissa as our Group General Counsel and Company Secretary.

Melissa brings a wealth of legal experience in the financial services industry. I have first-hand experience of Melissa’s strategic thinking, excellent judgement and ability to deliver solutions on complex projects. I am delighted to add her talent to our management team.”