What’s your current role – and what does it involve?
I am a research and data analyst at WTW (formerly Willis Towers Watson) in the central research & support team, supporting the wider defined contribution consulting team. I focus on investment reporting, including analysing default funds and monitoring performance for WTW’s clients. I gather data from a range of providers and compare them to identify which are performing strongly, as well as to track broader industry trends.
What’s the best and worst thing about your job?
My favourite part of the job is speaking to a wide range of people from different providers. It is always interesting to see where and how the providers are innovating and adapting their investment strategies. I like having an
overarching view of what the market is doing and which developments are proving to be most successful.
The worst part has to be cleaning data! Each provider has a unique methodology and way of presenting their reporting which often requires constant emails and clarifications around data points. No doubt this is much to
the provider’s annoyance but they are always good sports.
What made you apply for a role in the pensions industry – was it what you expected?
I wish I could point to the many engaging qualities of the industry and say that was the reason… but to be honest I wanted a role where I could work with a lot of data. In preparation for my first interview, I had to Google what
DC meant! But now I have been working in this space for over a year, I have a genuine interest. It was not what I expected – it is far more of a dynamic industry than I first realised.
Many providers are constantly looking to innovate and it’s not the lumbering giant it is sometimes portrayed to be.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Rejection is redirection.
How can the pensions industry attract and engage more young people?
The industry should focus more on entry-level/graduate schemes. I applied for many during my time at university and I don’t recall ever seeing a pension-related scheme. There were plenty for insurance, banking, consulting but pensions was an industry I never came across. More visibility in this area would be beneficial so more bright graduates can consider it as a career and see that it has a lot to offer.
If you were in charge of pension policy what would you change?
I believe it is a potentially slippery slope to require pension providers to invest in specific areas such as private markets.
Members should always come first, and there’s a risk that over time that the mandation clause in the Pension Schemes Bill could compromise fiduciary duty, if investments are being made without a clear benefit to members.
If private markets offer good investment opportunities, I believe they will attract investment.
Over the past few years providers have naturally moved away from more defensive positioning towards equities, without any external pressure. I believe pension policy should be focused on a framework that lets providers act in members’ best interests, rather than directing investment decisions from the top down.
What was your dream job when you were at school?
I wanted to play centre forward for Everton in the Premier League. Given I get tired walking up the stairs to the canteen at work – I don’t think this will be happening any time soon.
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