Top 50 most influential people in pensions 2012

2011 was a big year for pensions. The Pensions Act 2011 was passed, giving auto-enrolment its final legal basis ahead of its roll-out later this year. Lord Hutton’s public sector pension reforms became a hot topic, causing widespread industrial action and civil unrest. The Pensions Regulator signalled a shift to defined contribution (DC) with a raft of advice and regulations for DC schemes. The Pension Protection Fund’s financial footing became stronger and the burden of the PPF levy was reduced. A new chair of the National Association of Pension Funds set improving the standards of DC pensions firmly in his sights. All this against the backdrop of the most uncertain global economic climate since the 1930s.

2012 promises to be even more momentous, as the first firms take the leap into the unknown that is auto-enrolment. October 2012 will mark the end of the beginning of a long process to regenerate UK pension savings, which began with the creation of the Turner Commission in 2002. It will also see public sector pension reform – whether unions want it or not. Defined benefit (DB) schemes will, for the most part, continue their slow decline. 2012 will doubtless hold many other surprises for pensions.

But one thing is certain – the individuals on this list will be at the forefront of change and innovation.

This is the second annual 50 most influential people in pensions list that Pensions Insight has run. These are the asset managers, trustees, pension scheme mangers, advisors, academics, politicians and behind-the-scenes figures that Pensions Insight believes have shaped, and will continue to shape, UK pensions.

Of course, our opinion of the most influential figures may not be the same as yours. The UK’s pension industry is very fortunate to have so many experts and individuals dedicated to improving the retirement outcome of the nation’s workers. There were, unfortunately, many more figures worthy of inclusion in the list than places. We welcome your feedback on who we may have overlooked and will bring a selection of your nominations for most influential individuals in future issues.

To view individual profiles of the Top 50, click on their names on the right hand side of the screen

We want your views

If you have any views on our selection of the Top 50 most influential people in pensions we would be interested in hearing from you.

Please email the editor, Maggie Williams to tell us who you think should be listed in the Top 50 individuals influencing pensions today.