What’s your current role – what does it involve, and has it changed at all in recent years?
I’m currently head of investment development at Aegon UK – which means I have the pleasure of working on what I consider to be the most exciting aspects of pensions. My primary focus is the development of key investment propositions to ensure they deliver the best outcomes for our members.
Recently, my efforts have been largely directed towards private markets and integrating three long term asset funds (LTAFs) into our largest workplace default fund. There is also an increased emphasis on end-point design and decumulation strategies.
What’s the best and worst thing about your job?
The best thing about the job is the balance between short and long-term goals. Each day presents different short-term challenges, such as discussing the nuances of fund structures and implementation. However, these efforts ultimately lead to long-term achievements, such as the implementation of private markets, via LTAFs, into our Universal Balanced Collection. My brain seems wired for finding the next challenge, so having goals over both the short-term and long-term helps to keep me motivated.
The downside? My desire to be involved in everything means my days are often self-inflictedly busy!
What made you apply for a role in the pensions industry?
My interest started in college, when my maths teacher said that his experience as an actuary might suit my skill set. This stayed with me as I went through university, and so it felt like a natural fit when I took on a role at an actuarial consultancy. The rest, as they say, is history!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
From a work perspective I love seeing the people in my team progress and win. In 10 years I’d love to be responsible for a big team, helping them to excel and consistently win.
Personally, at the time of writing, my wife is five days from her due date and struggling with the heat – so I’d love to say enjoying an ice cream by the pool, watching our kids play. But my wife would probably remind you that the reality of our holidays is often me going off for a long run.….
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“You make a decision based on the best available information at the time, and if that proves to be wrong, you make another decision.” This advice sticks with me during pivotal moments. Hindsight offers clarity for past actions and can steer future choices, but you can’t change the past. Embrace flexibility, and let each step shape your future journey.
How can the pensions industry attract and engage more young people?
I always think it’s wild that personal finance isn’t a staple of the UK curriculum, considering its vital and increasingly important role throughout adult life. By instilling financial literacy from an early age, we can increase understanding and spark interest in the pensions sector as a career choice.
What was your dream job when you were at school?
Depending on the age, dinosaur wrangler or football player for Middlesbrough – both probably still true…
