Two minutes with … Aegon's Duncan Robertson
Duncan Robertson recently joined Aegon as head of pricing. With changes to annuities coming into effect in April 2015, we ask Duncan about the impact on those approaching retirement, along with a few delving questions about himself…
You’ve recently joined Aegon; what are you hoping to achieve before the year is out?
Build on Aegon’s existing strong proposition, pushing perceived boundaries on what can be done to deliver innovative solutions that meet customer’s needs. And of course enjoy working with some fantastic people.
The Budget and the Queens Speech were hugely significant in terms of retirement flexibility. What sort of impact has this had on Aegon Ireland?
There’s a great feeling of excitement around Aegon. Customer feedback consistently tells us that Aegon’s Secure Income and Secure Lifetime Income products are the ideal solution to those people not wanting to annuitise. Roll on April 2015.
What do you think is the most important thing for people approaching retirement to consider?
Enjoy retirement. You deserve it! Find the retirement income solution that allows you to enjoy life while reducing any future fears.
Did you always want to work in financial services?
Yes, almost. In my career I have managed to work in the Mail Room, Reception, Customer Services, Finance, Actuarial, Marketing and IT departments of financial service companies. I say almost as I still look back with enjoyment at my summer jobs selling bacon door to door in Dumbarton and selling pizza in an amusement park in Rhode Island.
Focusing on your school years, is there any advice that you would give your 16 year old self?
I had the best time in school and have had a great time since. No regrets and no advice required. Okay maybe one piece of advice….don’t turn down that ticket for the Brazil vs. Scotland opening World Cup match in France 1998 as it will be 20 years until Scotland are there again (hopefully!)
Do you have any pet peeves?
Players diving in football.
Tell us about your life outside work. Do you have a family or any hobbies?
I am married to Pauline and have three children, Aoife 14, Craig 12 and Jane 10. Hobbies – running after the children (I quite enjoy that), golf and running.
So, outside of financial services, what is the one journalist or column that you regularly read?
Nicolas Roche’s daily diary from Giro D’Italia and Tour de France
And what is your favourite financial services focused read? Do you have a favourite journalist?
No favourite financial journalists. Unless of course there are any journalists reading this….and then it’s you!
If you were in charge of the country for a day, what one thing would you change?
Yellow cards (with knock-on suspensions) given in retrospect for diving at football (see 6 above)
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My Mum. Live life to its fullest and, when you’ve done that, do it again.
Who makes you laugh?
Pauline, my children, my friends….of course I am laughing with them and not at them (well not all the time!)
If you received a windfall of £2000 what would you do with it?
Pay for my Mum and Dad to go to Washington DC. My Dad would love the Smithsonian Museums.