Pickering signs up to Best Trustees

Best Trustees has acquired one of the industry's leading figures as its chairman with Alan Pickering set to come on board next year.

The Watson Wyatt consultant and author of the government sponsored A Simpler Way to Better Pensions will succeed current incumbent Charles Woodward in January.

Mr Pickering is a former National Association of Pension Funds and European Federation for Retirement Provision chairman who has worked for Watson Wyatt since 1992.

In 2002 he was commissioned by then work and pensions secretary Alistair Darling to publish recommendations for rationalising the laws around private pensions provision.

He called joining pension trustees BEST "a dream come true". He said: "Leaving a good job, even of your own volition, is always somewhat daunting. However, it is time for a fresh challenge.

"I have been advising trustees for most of my career, so it's exciting that I'm about to become one. It must be every coaches dream to leave the touchline and join the team.

"Watson Wyatt has given me opportunities hat were beyond my wildest dreams. I shall forever cherish fond memories of colleagues and clients alike. Everyone has been kindness itself."

Clive Gilchrist, managing director of Best Trustee, said: "I am delighted that Mr Pickering is joining us as chairman. His wisdom and down to Earth style will be an asset at our board meetings and our clients will benefit from his decades of pensions experience. He will be an invaluable addition to our trusteeship team."