BESTrustees appoints Alan Pickering as chairman

Pickering will join BESTrustees in January to replace chairman Charles Woodward and will also work towards taking on a number of trusteeships on behalf of the company.

Pickering said: "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 coach’s dream to leave the touchline and join the team, so for me, this is a dream come true.

"I have enjoyed my 16 years with Watson Wyatt. Back in 1992, giving me a job was a bold move on the firm’s part since I was by no means a chip off their old block. Watson Wyatt has given me opportunities that were beyond my wildest dreams," Pickering said.

BESTrustees managing director Clive Gilchrist said: "I am delighted that Alan 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 additional to our trusteeship team."

Watson Wyatt head of European Benefits Group Mark Stewart said: "Alan has made an invaluable contribution to Watson Wyatt and to the wide world of pensions during his 16 years with the firm."