David Russell is an Advisor on Responsible Investment to Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). USS is the third largest pension fund in the United Kingdom, with assets in excess of ￡19 billion and over 200,000 members. To operationalise its commitment to a long-term and active share ownership, USS has created a Responsible Investment team, of which David is one of three members. This team works with both USS’s internal and external fund managers on a range of corporate governance and corporate responsibility issues.

David is also a steering committee member of the IIGCC, the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change, a collaboration between pension funds and fund managers representing in excess of ￡1 trillion in assets which believes that climate change poses fiduciary risks and therefore requires appropriate management.

Mr Russell was previously environmental manager for a UK DIY retail multiple, dealing with the broad spectrum of business sustainability issues. He has also been a university lecturer, specialising in environmental management systems and auditing, and proving consultancy services to companies.