Randi Topp knows the University of Victoria’s hybrid pension plan is in a unique position.

“The hybrid plan has a unique design where plan members can fully participate in long-term investment returns with a contribution account,” says the university’s executive director of pensions and plan governance. “Both the organization and the members put money in to build the fund, but [members] have the option to choose a retirement income that has an indexed minimum lifetime income.”

Indeed, plan members can purchase an in-plan variable annuity and draw down their savings as an annual pension. This model offers members “the best of both worlds,” she says, noting the plan is one of very few plans in Canada with the option.

Getting to know Randi Topp

Job title: Executive director of pensions and plan governance, University of Victoria

Previous role: Investment consultant and principal, George & Bell Consulting Inc.

What keeps her up at night: Keeping the plans at UVic strong and sustainable in a changing environment full of market concentration and an uncertain geopolitical climate

Outside of the office she can be found: Skiing down a hill during the winter and sailing through the........

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