From Purple Flares to Pension Plan Chairs - A Lifetime in Pensions

In September 1977, a young man walked into the Clerical, Medical & General Life Assurance Society in St James Square, London, for the first day in his first job. The fact he was wearing a three-piece purple suit with flared trousers didn’t seem to put off the employer.

Yesterday that same (better dressed) young man chaired the final meeting of the Leprosy Mission International Pension Scheme, and in doing so, ended over 48 years in the pension industry.

It’s been a wonderful journey.

I never intended to work in the pensions industry – I kind of stumbled into my first job on the basis that I liked the guy who interviewed me. Actually, that was the basis for taking all of my jobs throughout my career and it served me well.

Longest and most satisfying job – Emap plc, a media company, owner of magazines and radio stations, with the ability to live and work in locally.

Quirkiest job – Pension Geeks where I had the wonderful job title of Executive Geek!

Most challenging – International Benefits Director for both Brambles and ICI. Lots of travel, so many pension and benefit systems around the world to learn!

Scariest moment – the email I keep in my Bible inviting me to be in New York on 11 September 2001, with breakfast in the World Trade Centre. I postponed the meeting and live to tell the tale.

Rewarding moment – winning 17 industry awards, mainly for communications.

Most fulfilling moment – possibly yesterday, Charing a wonderful Christian organisation’s pension scheme and managing the final buy-out of the benefits.

Despite working in the pension industry, I don’t believe in retirement and will be spending more time writing books and serving in church.

I’m grateful for the journey.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5–6)