Russell Baird

Russell brings a deep understanding and breadth of experience in both pension (DB and DC) and investment markets developed over 30 years advising clients on investment strategy, actuarial valuations, governance and regulatory compliance. He joined BESTrustees in 2024.

Russell began initially as a pensions scheme actuary & senior consultant, then took on client director and senior investment roles with an asset management company. An experienced client director and chair, he brings strong stakeholder management skills across a diverse range of senior stakeholders, trustees, consultants and peers. This has helped Russell lead and deliver key actuarial and investment projects across multi-investment, actuarial, operations, legal, regulatory and risk disciplines, including scheme restructures, sale & purchase, risk management and governance projects for a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from £1m to £10bn+.

Russell is based in Edinburgh and a fully qualified actuary. Outside of Pensions, he is a Non-Executive Director of a Housing Association and registered charity that is committed to providing high quality homes and building communities where everyone has the chance to belong, grow and live well. He is also a keen sportsman and sits on the Marketing Committee of the Foundation of Hearts, the largest fan-owned club in the United Kingdom.

Specialist areas: Scheme Valuations and Funding, Risk Transfer, Investment Strategy including Liability Drive Investment.