Managing the Scheme

Jan Burke (Chair)

Following my career in the pensions industry, I took on a consulting role within MSD to support their pension provision. As a result of my time as a consultant, I was asked to become the Chair of the Trustee for MSD Pension Trustee Limited. During my time as Chair, I have found a new appreciation for having a Board with not just diverse skills and talents but also life experiences and backgrounds. This allows your Trustee Board to make the decisions with a range of different views and considerations. 

Robert Armitage

During my time at MSD, I held multiple director positions including Finance Director and, as such, being a Company-Nominated Trustee Director was part of my professional responsibilities. Since being appointed, I’ve retained a passion for the challenges that the schemes present and have enjoyed the negotiating with the Company regarding short- and long-term funding goals.

Julia Gillard

During my time at MSD so far, I have held roles in marketing, sales and finance and I am currently the Head of Commercial Trade Channels within the supply chain operations. Following my time in finance I wanted to build on my pensions knowledge and have a positive impact on some colleagues’ (past and present) future financial security. With this in mind, I took on the appointment of Company-Nominated Trustee Director. 

Anita McCarthy

Following my career in Human Resources at MSD, I decided to take my interest in pensions a little further by taking on the role of a Company-Nominated Director of MSD Pensions Trustee Limited. I’m particularly interested in ensuring that members are given the right information at key points in their employment. During my time so far, I’ve learned to make tough decisions that are beneficial for the long-term health of the fund rather than prioritising short-term gains.

Paul Robinson

During my 30-year career at MSD I held positions in Clinical Research and Medical Affairs before finishing my time as Patient Engagement lead. I applied to become a Member-Nominated Trustee Director to develop my skills and learn more about the benefits of a strong Company having a well-run DB pension scheme. Having retired from MSD, I am now a Company-Nominated Trustee Director.

Jonathan Bell

My time with MSD Animal Health was spent working on the CRM project in Boxmeer in the Netherlands, which culminated in the product being rolled out to seven countries in 2012. I applied to be a Member-Nominated Director after learning about a vacancy from a routine communication. I’ve found being a Trustee Director the best way to contribute to how my colleagues’ pension savings are being administered.

Steven Booth

I spent the majority of my career at MSD working as a Pharmacist and Chemical Engineer developing new medicines in the form of tablets and capsules which were put to clinical trial and then sent to the marketplace. MSD was a fantastic employer, and I spent my career working with the best people. I therefore felt that I should try and contribute in any way possible. When I saw the opportunity to apply for a Member-Nominated Trustee Director position I was motivated by curiosity and haven’t looked back since. 

Stephen Gill

I am a pensioner member of the MSD Pension Scheme. I worked for MSD for nearly 30 years in various accountancy management roles, including local, regional, national and international positions. Since retiring, I have expanded my vinyl record company and hosted music and whisky events. I am enthusiastic, strategic and open-minded.

Christine MacKay

I am also a pensioner member of the MSD Pension Scheme. Since retiring in 2020, I have been a Non-Executive Director of a housing association, with joint responsibility for leading a pension change project. I would describe myself as pragmatic, strategic and fair.