USS announces board changes

Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited – the trustee of the UK’s largest private pension scheme by way of assets – today announces the appointment of Ellen Kelleher as a new trustee director and the retirement of Rene Poisson from the USS Board.

Ellen has spent her career in the pensions industry and is currently Chief Pensions Officer at Trafalgar House Pension Trust.

Prior to this she spent five years at HSBC as Chief Operating Officer of the HSBC Pension Trust (UK) Limited and over 22 years with PwC where she set up the PwC consultancy practice advising on pensions administration and systems, operational effectiveness and governance.

Ellen has also, since 2015, been a member of the Judicial Pension Board and the Judicial Pension Scheme Advisory Board which are responsible for the governance of the judicial pension schemes.

Ellen joined the board on 1 November, replacing Rene Poisson who retired from the USS Board after nearly a decade with USS.

Rene joined the USS Board in 2012 and was subsequently appointed Chair of the Remuneration Committee and a member of the Pensions Committee.

Dame Kate Barker, USS Board Chair, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Ellen to the USS Board. She brings a huge depth of knowledge on all aspects of pensions, not only from a governance and administration perspective, but also in how pension schemes communicate with their members. Ellen’s appointment follows that of Marian Elliot, who since joining in September has been appointed Chair of our Pensions Committee.

“I am sad to say goodbye to Rene who has worked incredibly hard for the scheme throughout his full term with us. He provided invaluable advice and guidance at a time of increasing regulatory scrutiny and challenging decision making. His commitment has been greatly appreciated.”