Roy Gillson, the first chairman of Universities Superannuation Scheme Investment Management (USSIM) has died, aged 60, after a battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Gillson joined Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited (USS) as a special member of the investment committee in September 2009 with his role expanded to include membership of the investment sub-committee in 2011.  Over the next few years, he played a key role in establishing USSIM.

When USSIM started operating in October 2012, Gillson was appointed inaugural chairman of the board and non-executive director in addition bringing his skills and knowledge to roles on both the special investment committee and sub-committee of the new organisation. 

Gillson stood down as chairman due to ill-health in March of this year although he continued to make a valued contribution to USS in his role as special member of the investment committee until September 2013, when he retired.

Sir Martin Harris, chairman of USS, said: "Even though he was with us for all too short a time, my colleagues and I recognised in Roy a rare combination of commitment, common sense and charm which made him both a great pleasure to work with and invaluable in the emerging new role of chairman of USSIM.

"We can only regret deeply what he can no longer give to us.  Our thoughts are very much with Roy's wife and children at this saddest of times."

Gillson leaves his wife Debi and three children, Tom, Hannah and Edward.

Before USS Gillson was chief executive of Aerion Fund Management. Between 1999 to 2004 he was chief investment officer at Axa Investment Managers and before that held various roles at Hill Samuel Investment Advisers and Lloyds TSB Investment Management.