Ms Dunshire is the first female Government Actuary to be appointed since the role was created in 1917.

She has 35 years of actuarial experience in the private sector in a number of pensions and investments roles.

She was UK CEO of Mercer from 2012-2019 and has been a fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries since 1993.

Ms Dunshire will take up her new role following the retirement of Martin Clarke later this year. Mr Clarke has been the Government Actuary since 2014.

Ms Dunsire said: “The GAD has a long and proud history of producing high quality actuarial analysis across the public sector for over 100 years. I am delighted to be appointed to the role of Government Actuary. I look forward to leading the department over the coming years and continue to broaden its impact in helping to address the multigenerational issues we face as a society.”

Mr Clarke said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Government Actuary’s Department for over nine years. I warmly congratulate Fiona on her appointment as the new Government Actuary and wish her well in the role”.

The Government Actuary is the main actuarial adviser to the government and leads the Government Actuary’s Department and acts as its Accounting Officer. The Government Actuary’s Department provides actuarial advice and support to the government and public sector on financial risk covering a wide range of sectors including pension valuations, insurance and social security.