London Pensions Fund Authority (LPFA) chief executive Susan Martin has won the portfolio institutional industry achievement award.
Martin was awarded the accolade at a glittering gala dinner held at the Banking Hall in London last night after being selected by portfolio institutional readers from a shortlist of four individuals compiled by nominations from the industry.
Presenting the award, Barnett Waddingham consultant Malcolm McLean said: “[Susan] has many attributes and qualities and a terrific reputation within her chosen field. The task of running the LPFA as CEO is a major role as 2014/15 has been a demanding year for the LGPS.”
Martin became chief executive of LPFA in December 2013 having been deputy chief executive since 2011. She joined LPFA in 2007 as director of organisational development bringing over 20 years’ experience in managing organisational change, pensions, mergers and acquisitions and partnership working across all sectors.
She is also the LPFA’s representative on the Investors Committee of the 30% Club and also acts as a substitute on the Local Government Pension Scheme shadow sub-committee on Governance and Standards. She also sits on the board of the Public Sector People Managers’ Association (PPMA) and is its pensions policy lead.
In addition, Martin regularly contributes to debates and discussions on a range of issues affecting local authorities including pensions and investments, and writes a quarterly column for portfolio institutional.
Other names on the industry achievement shortlist were Universities Superannuation Scheme chief investment officer Roger Gray, PAN Governance principal Roger Mattingly and Allenbridge IS senior adviser Peter Scales.
The portfolio institutional awards, now in their fourth year, seek to recognise excellence in institutional investment across 11 categories.
The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) was a big winner after picking up two accolades: best pension scheme II (over £1bn) and best risk management.
Commenting on the PPF’s entry submission for best pension scheme II (over £1bn), the judging panel said: “The fund has clear objectives and a well-embedded and disciplined risk strategy that is being implemented effectively. The fund also demonstrated innovation and sound governance arrangements, and the importance of the employer covenant.”
This year’s best investor in property award went to the Santander UK Group Pension Scheme for a second year in a row, while the Volkswagen Group Pension Scheme won best DC pension scheme, also for the second year running.
Other winners on the night included the HSBC UK Bank Pension Trust for best portfolio structure, the Dover Harbour Board Pension Scheme for best pension scheme I (under £1bn), Rentokil Initial for best corporate treasury and the Church Commissioners for England for best implementation of responsible investment.
Furthermore, Nationwide Pension Fund won best use of alternative asset classes and the Guys’ and St Thomas’ Charity scooped best charity/trust/foundation.
Guests including pension fund investors, insurers, investment consultants, academics and economists were also treated to a pre-dinner keynote speech from author and economist Eric Beinhocker, who spoke on the subject of True Prosperity and Inclusive Growth.
Full list of awards winners:
Industry achievement: Susan Martin
Best pension scheme II (over £1bn): Pension Protection Fund
Best implementation of responsible investment: Church Commissioners for England
Best investor in alternative asset classes: Nationwide Pension Fund
Best investor in property: Santander UK Group Pension Scheme
Best pension scheme I (under £1bn): Dover Harbour Board Pension Scheme
Best corporate treasury: Rentokil Initial
Best risk management: Pension Protection Fund
Best portfolio structure: HSBC UK Bank Pension Trust
Best charity/trust/foundation: Guys’ and St Thomas’ Charity
Best DC pension scheme: Volkswagen Group Pension Scheme
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