Jeff Lincoln, Director of the Retirement team in London, has spent his entire professional career with WTW.
Having joined in 2011 as a new graduate, Jeff has grown a lot in just over a decade: a journey shaped by the people around him, the challenges he’s embraced, and his commitment to staying connected, both in and outside the office.
A career that grows with him
“I joined WTW straight out of university, through the new graduate scheme,” Jeff shares. “The early years were intense, balancing client work with professional exams, but the support I received made a huge difference. I was encouraged to progress quickly, and that really helped me build a strong foundation.”
Today, Jeff is a Director, managing a team of seven people, leading strategic work for major clients. But for him, what stands out the most isn't just the professional milestones, it's the relationships he’s built.
“I’ve had great managers throughout my journey here, and I’ve always looked up to them. That inspired me to take on a leadership role myself. I want to offer my team the same support and mentorship I received.”
From Leeds to London and beyond
Jeff began his journey in the Leeds office, where he worked for seven years and qualified as an actuary. “Leeds had a real family vibe. We were a close-knit team, we even went on holidays together to unwind after busy exam periods. Some of those colleagues are still my best friends.”
In 2018, Jeff challenged himself with something new: a short-term secondment in Lisbon, followed by a permanent transfer to the London office. “It was a big step, but I wanted to grow professionally and experience new client challenges. Moving to London meant working with larger clients and expanding my technical expertise.”
Jeff has also traveled to India and Turkey through WTW, delivering trainings and taking part in cultural exchange experiences that broadened his perspective and strengthened cross-office collaboration.
A people-first culture
So what has kept Jeff at WTW for over a decade? “The people,” he says without hesitation. “It’s always been about the people. I’ve built friendships that go beyond work and that’s what makes coming to the office enjoyable.”
Jeff is a strong believer in in-person work and goes to the office every day. “Being around your team makes a huge difference. You build stronger relationships, you feel more connected and you know what’s happening. Especially for early-career colleagues, coming into the office is key to grasping things quickly and creating those meaningful bonds.”
Empowering others and leading with care
Jeff has been managing people for the past two and a half years and sees it as a way to give back. “I try to make sure people feel seen and appreciated. It’s important to recognize effort and create a space where people can speak openly.”
He believes leadership is about listening. “Everyone is different. Some people want regular check-ins, others prefer more independence. It’s about building a relationship where people you work with trust you, so that even if you weren’t their manager, they’d still know they can come to you.”
Work-life balance and staying energized
Outside of work, Jeff prioritizes wellness through fitness:running, swimming and hitting the gym. “Exercise helps me stay focused and resilient. It’s a big part of how I stay energized and mentally clear.”
He also enjoys organizing social activities like board game nights at the office, reinforcing his belief that strong workplace relationships create a better working experience for everyone.
Why join WTW?
Reflecting on his journey, Jeff encourages mid-level actuaries in the UK to consider WTW. “We have the best people, the biggest clients and the space to grow your career the way you want. You’re supported to learn, to suggest new ideas and to shape your own path. And you get to do all that surrounded by people you genuinely enjoy working with.”
Ready to build your career as a Pension Actuary at WTW?
Whether you're in Reigate, Manchester, London, Bristol, Leeds, Birmingham, or Edinburgh, our Retirement team is growing.
We’re looking for professionals who are ready to build meaningful careers in a collaborative, people-first environment. Are you ready to join us? Explore open roles and apply today.
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