After 12 years of service to the organisation, including 10 in her current role, she will be leaving the PLSA to pursue a portfolio career.

The organisation said this morning that she will remain in post until the end of June, completing some projects currently in train, continuing to act as ambassador to the wider world, while Julian Mund will continue to assume executive duties until a permanent successor is found.

The PLSA said in a statement: “Over the course of her tenure Joanne has transformed the association, building its reputation as an organisation with credible and persuasive policy proposals, representing the interests of members with vigour, determination and imagination. She has ensured that the Association is a strong and trusted voice in the public conversation.

“Joanne leaves the Association in very good shape with a membership of more than 1,300 pension schemes, 20 million savers, £1 trillion in assets and 400 businesses providing services to the industry.”

Ms Segars, said: “I have enjoyed my time at the PLSA enormously, but after 12 years it is time to move on. I’ve been privileged to lead fantastic colleagues and members who work tirelessly to provide millions of people with better retirement incomes.

“My proudest achievements have included creating the Pension Quality Mark, establishing the Pensions Infrastructure Platform, increasing the Association’s income by 40% and making our conferences and events the best in the industry.

“Working with the PLSA’s members I have given the Association a new and wider focus, reflecting the realities of retirement saving today, culminating in the rebranding of the NAPF as the PLSA in 2015.”

Lesley Williams, chair of the PLSA, said: “Joanne has been an outstanding chief executive of the PLSA and has made a huge difference, as she campaigned for a secure future for pensions and pensioners in the UK and the EU. We wish her well in this new and exciting phase of her career.”