Van Lanschot Kempen appoints Michelle Darracott as UK Chief Executive

17 Feb 2026 08:00 CET

Van Lanschot Kempen Investment Management (UK) Ltd (“Van Lanschot Kempen”) today announces the appointment of Michelle Darracott as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026. 

Based in London, Michelle will be responsible for growing Van Lanschot Kempen’s bespoke fiduciary management offering for UK pension schemes, with the objective of further establishing the firm as the preferred provider in the UK market. She will also oversee the distribution of the firm’s specialist, actively-managed investment strategies in the UK. 

Michelle brings more than 30 years’ experience across the UK pensions and investment landscape, combining deep investment expertise with senior leadership roles spanning strategy, technology and client delivery. Most recently, she served as a Professional Trustee at BESTrustees Limited, a leading provider of professional trusteeship services to UK occupational pension schemes, and as a Non-Executive Director at TPT Retirement Solutions. Previously, Michelle was Chief Strategy Officer at Smart Pension, where she played a key role in driving international growth, and held a number of senior positions at Legal & General Investment Management, including Head of Strategic Change and Head of Digital Investing. 

Johan Cras, who has served as interim CEO of the UK business, will resume his prior role as Senior Advisor for Investment Management Clients. 

Erik van Houwelingen, Member of the Management Board of Van Lanschot Kempen, responsible for Investment Management Clients, said: “Michelle’s appointment marks an important step in the continued development of our UK business. The UK fiduciary management market is evolving rapidly, and demand for bespoke, high-quality solutions has never been greater. Michelle brings deep market knowledge, strong leadership experience and a clear alignment with our client-first culture. I am delighted to welcome her to Van Lanschot Kempen. I would also like to thank Johan Cras for his steadfast leadership during his time as interim CEO and look forward to continuing working with him as he resumes his role as Senior Advisor.” 

Michelle Darracott commented: “Van Lanschot Kempen has a proven track record of delivering strong outcomes for clients. The firm has built real momentum in the UK, and I’m excited to lead the next phase of growth. At a time of significant change in the pensions landscape, trustees and sponsors need a tailored, partnership-led approach and a fiduciary manager that can provide clear insight, flexibility and solutions designed around their specific circumstances. I look forward to working with the team to support clients in achieving their long-term objectives.” 

The appointment of Michelle Darracott is subject to regulatory approval.