UK – Computer giant IBM has named Tony Marchak, its head of European human resources, to the board of its pension trustees.

“Following Charlie Morrison’s recent retirement from IBM, Tony Marchak has been appointed to the board,” a statement said. “Charlie was a board director for six years and made a valuable contribution to the workings of the Pension Fund Trustee during this period.”

Marchak joined IBM in 1972 and became VP, human resources, IBM Europe, Middle East and Africa in 2002.

Earlier it emerged that IBM pension members decided not to appeal against a decision in favour of the company made by the Pension Ombudsman in October.

“The deadline for appealing against the Ombudsman's determination has passed and no appeal has been made,” according to the website of the Association of Members of IBM UK Pension Plans.

“An appeal would not have given the complainants a ‘level playing field’ because a determination can only be appealed on a point of law and so some of the limitations of the determination would have carried over to the Court.

“Although their case was strong, and important not only for us but for DB scheme members in general, the small risk of large costs falling on individuals precludes an appeal.”

The members’ complaints had ranged from “an appeal to the consciences of those responsible” to charges that the trustees supplied too little information and that inter-scheme transfers were illegal. Another complaint claimed the trustees were working to a wrong principle.

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