Sharon Smith set to retire from South Yorkshire Pensions Authority

Sharon Smith, one of the longest-serving employees at South Yorkshire Pensions Authority (SYPA), will retire this December after an extraordinary 40-year career with the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

Sharon’s achievements were recognised at her final Authority meeting today with a presentation made by Cllr Jayne Dunn, Chair of the Authority.

Sharon began her journey in 1984 when she joined South Yorkshire County Council as a Trainee Investment Analyst straight from university. Over the years, she has played a pivotal role in managing the Pension Fund’s investments, demonstrating an exceptional performance track record that would rival many in the financial sector.

Throughout her tenure, Sharon has held various roles within the investment team, including managing UK and Emerging Market equities, all from her desk in Barnsley and is now Assistant Director – Investment Strategy. Her success and longevity in a predominantly male-dominated industry make her a trailblazer for women in finance.

Her career has spanned significant changes in the way SYPA invests, from direct private equity investments—which often involved her attending male-dominated board meetings in the 1980s—to today’s focus on place-based and climate-positive investments.

Sharon’s leadership of the investment team, particularly during the transition of staff to Border to Coast in 2018, was invaluable. Her decision to remain with SYPA after this transition has greatly benefited both the Authority and the wider partnership, which continues to draw on her extensive knowledge and experience.

George Graham, Director at South Yorkshire Pensions Authority, remarked, “Sharon is one of only three members of staff who have been with SYPA since its creation in 1988, but she holds the distinction of having the longest tenure with the Pension Fund—a fund she will soon join as a beneficiary. Such long service in, what is effectively, the same organisation is incredibly rare today and alongside her incredible investment track record deserves to be recognised and celebrated.”