Issued: 17 June 2004
1. What was your best subject at school? Worst?
My best subject was Applied Mathematics, my worst was German – I still have nightmares about German oral.
2. Do you have a nickname?
It used to be Clinton or Bill (and not for the reasons you may think!). I’m not sure what they call me at The Pensions Trust!
3. If you had to be classified as a member of a "generation" which would it be?
Generation X.
4. What was the first record that you bought?
Really Free by John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett.
5. What was the last concert you went to?
Betraying my generation, I have to admit that it was the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at the Bournemouth Pavilion – well it was raining!
6. What did you want to be when you were at school?
Rich and famous.
7. What was your first job?
Delivering 650 Bristol Journals a week for £12.
8. How did you start in the pensions profession?
Someone told me that actuaries could earn an obscene amount of money, so I joined a firm of consulting actuaries.
9. What time do you wake up for work?
5.30am if I am travelling to either our London or Edinburgh offices, or a leisurely 7.00am if it’s Leeds.
10. How do you get to work every day?
I drive to Leeds from York most days, otherwise it’s by GNER.
11. What three adjectives would your colleagues use to describe you?
Ambitious, decisive and enthusiastic.
12. What aspect of pensions legislation or provision would you change if you could?
Ideally I would like to see legislation that put a stop to the never-ending tweaking.
13. Who is the most irritating person in the industry or public eye?
Where do I start?
14. Who is the most influential person in the pensions industry?
Of the people I know, my boss Richard Stroud.
15. Should saving into a pension be compulsory?
No, but it should be incentivised.
16. Pension or ISA?
Pension, especially if provided by The Pensions Trust.
17. What is your worst habit?
Answering my mobile phone during internal meetings.
18. When was the last time you lost your temper?
1983.
19. What was the last "bargain" you got?
A large bunch of ‘blackish’ bananas for 10 pence.
20. What is your favourite meal?
Fish and chips.
21. What is your favourite drink?
Single malt whisky.
22. What is the biggest bet you ever placed and did you win?
I don’t gamble.
23. Who would be your ideal dinner guest?
The late Ernest Shackleton.
24. What was the last country you visited?
Portugal.
25. How do you plan to spend your retirement years?
Spending more time with my family.
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