For many trustees and scheme managers 2015 was an extremely busy year.

Between the introduction of ‘freedom and choice’ blowing apart the very definition of pensions as an income for life, a new code changing the way that defined contribution schemes will be governed, and funding pressures in the DB universe, it’s been difficult to keep our feet firmly on the ground.

But such pressures always give people an opportunity to shine. And over the past 12 months many people from all areas of the industry have led the way in not just coping with the chaos, but excelling.

And whether it’s asset managers coming up with new products to meet the needs of schemes, advisers helping trustees navigate the changes or trustees and scheme managers themselves providing superb governance to safeguard member interests – we’re taking the chance to recognise this excellence in our latest list of the top 50 people in pensions.

“We’re recognising
excellence in our list of the top 50 people”

Communications have been at the epicentre of many of the changes, and as we move into 2016 the importance of getting this right has been emphasised by the problems the Department of Work & Pensions is facing as a result of its communications of state pension changes.

However, communications need not always be formal letters or lengthy wake-up packs, and people are relying on social media more than ever for their information. Communicating a complex topic such as pensions in 140 characters or fewer is tricky – but our top tweeters (p30) have got it down to a fine art.

Of course, our top 50 issue is not just about looking backwards. We’re also keen to recognise those less-established people who are already making waves in the industry and who will form the next generation of pensions leaders. We’ve highlighted four of these rising stars on p27.

Here’s to excellence past, present and future.