University Pension Plan Ontario (UPP) announced today that it has hired Barbara Zvan as its new President and CEO, highlighting her credentials which include significant experience in sustainable investing.

UPP was established in January 2020, to serve as the legal administrator of the newly formed joint sponsored pension plan for several Ontario universities, including Queen’s University, University of Guelph and University of Toronto. The UPP will replace five pension plans now in place at the three founding universities, becoming responsible for the new plan’s administration and the investment of its assets on July 1, 2021.

Welcoming Ms. Zvan, Gale Rubenstein, Chair of the UPP Board of Trustees and a Partner at Goodmans LLP, said:

“Barbara Zvan is uniquely qualified to take on this important role. Her leadership in the JSPP field and in responsible and sustainable investment is incomparable. The Board and I are delighted Barbara has agreed to help lead the UPP as we take our next major step forward to building a sustainable, defined benefit pension plan for Ontario’s university sector.”

Prior to joining UPP, Ms. Zvan spent nearly 25 years at Ontario Teachers Pension Plan (OTPP), most recently serving in the role of Chief Risk & Strategy Officer. While at OTPP, she crafted its responsible investing and climate change strategy and directed the organization’s enterprise and operational risk management approach.

Ms. Zvan also brings significant board experience to her new role. She currently serves as a board member of the Responsible Investment Association and for the Global Risk Institute, an advisory board member of the Institute for Sustainable Finance, and is a member of the Government Canada’s Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance, and played a significant role in creating the G7 Investor Leadership Network.

Ms. Zvan said:

“I am thrilled to be taking on this new role with the UPP. The successful launch and growth of this new JSPP will help ensure pension sustainability for university sector employees.  I look forward to providing high quality service to plan members as we move ahead with this exciting initiative.”