Ritchie: ‘He has helped shape policy’

The pensions industry certainly owes a big debt of gratitude to Stewart Ritchie.

The pensions industry certainly owes a big debt of gratitude to Stewart Ritchie. Against a constantly changing backdrop Mr Ritchie has been a consistent voice of reason and a champion of sensible pension reform. In a long and varied career he has gained great insight and understanding of this complex field and few people have contributed as much to the UK pensions debate in the past 30 years.

While his expertise and strategic thinking have been a huge benefit to Aegon, Mr Ritchie’s influence has also been felt throughout the wider long-term savings industry.

With a tireless enthusiasm for pensions, he has helped to shape policy through his work with numerous industry bodies and the actuarial profession.

One of Mr Ritchie’s great strengths is the key role he has played in developing media awareness of pensions issues, supporting good developments and highlighting problem areas with equal fervour.

There will be many journalists and IFAs who have benefited from

Mr Ritchie’s help over the years as he turned complex pension issues into understandable, practical information. It is a fitting tribute and a measure of Mr Ritchie’s objectivity and success that he is regarded as a leading and credible voice in media and lobbying circles.

Otto Thoresen is chief executive of Aegon UK