Danny Firth joins London CIV as Chief Operating Officer

London CIV has announced that Danny Firth, a former Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Executive of Tesco Pension Investment, is joining the LGPS investment pool as its new COO. His appointment comes as Martin Gloyne, who has spent the last three years strengthening London CIV’s operational capability, plans to retire later this year.

Firth brings more than 30 years’ experience leading operations, governance and risk across pensions, investment management and financial services, with a career spanning senior executive leadership, operational transformation and complex stakeholder environments. He joins London CIV from Tesco Pension Investment, where he led strategy, governance and culture for the c.£12.9bn UK Tesco Pension Scheme’s Investment Manager, working closely with trustees, sponsors and regulators.

Firth also held several other senior operational leadership roles at Tesco Pension Investment, including Deputy Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer, and Chair and Chief Executive of its authorised Alternative Investment Fund Manager.

Earlier in his career, Firth held managing director roles at JPMorgan Chase, led global asset manager strategy and key client relationships at BNP Paribas Securities Services, and held senior operational leadership positions at Threadneedle Asset Management and Legg Mason. He is a Chartered Management Accountant.

Firth will formally take up the role of Chief Operating Officer from 16^th March and will work closely with Martin Gloyne and the executive team to support the continued delivery of London CIV’s strategic priorities, including its Fit for the Future programme.

His appointment follows the recent expansion of the London CIV team as the organisation prepares for the next phase of Fit for the Future. This includes Dagmar Dvorak joining London CIV to lead its four-strong Strategic Asset Allocation team, and James Beaumont being appointed Head of Public Markets in 2025. These appointments further strengthen the pool’s investment and operational capability.

Commenting on Firth’s appointment, Dean Bowden, CEO of London CIV, said: “Danny brings deep experience in large-scale operational leadership across pensions and investments, and is a highly regarded leader with a proven ability to build resilient, well-governed organisations.

"His appointment reflects our focus on operational stability, capability and delivering long-term value for Partner Funds as London CIV enters its next phase of Fit for the Future.”

Danny Firth, Chief Operating Officer at London CIV, added: “London CIV plays a critical role in supporting Partner Funds to deliver value for their beneficiaries, especially through this period of significant change in the LGPS.

"As Chief Operating Officer, I’m looking forward to working closely with the Board, Dean and the wider team to strengthen operational resilience and build the capacity needed to deliver as Fit for the Future progresses. Together with Partner Funds, we will remain focused on supporting strong outcomes.”

As part of a planned transition, Martin Gloyne will remain a Director of London CIV until his retirement later this year, supporting operational continuity and a structured handover.