Meet the Women Who Rule Pensions

In the world of pensions, there are some remarkable women who have broken through barriers and made significant strides in the industry. These women have not only excelled in their respective roles but have also contributed to closing the gender gap in the sector. Let's meet some of these inspiring women and learn about their achievements.



Jean Hynes, Wellington Management Company
Jean Hynes is a trailblazer in the pension industry, serving as the first female CEO of Wellington Management Company. She began her career at Wellington as a pharmaceuticals and biotech analyst and rose through the ranks to become a portfolio manager, managing partner, and eventually CEO. Hynes' extensive experience and expertise have helped her build an impressive record on the Vanguard Health Care VGHAX fund, which she has managed since 2013. The fund has consistently outperformed its benchmark and competitors, with a 12.8% annualized gain compared to the MSCI ACWI Health Care Index's 11.1% return and 61% of competitors.

Janet Rilling, Allspring Global Investments
Janet Rilling is another outstanding woman in the pension industry, serving as the head of the plus fixed-income team at Allspring Global Investments (formerly Wells Fargo Asset Management). With 28 years of investment experience, Rilling has capably led the Allspring Core Plus Bond STYJX fund since July 2008. Under her leadership, the fund has consistently delivered strong risk-adjusted returns, outpacing 90% of peers on a total-return basis and placing it in the top decile of its peer group.

Hilda Applbaum, Capital Group
Hilda Applbaum has been the principal investment officer on American Funds Income Fund of America RIDGX since 2005, overseeing two funds in the US and serving as a named manager on funds in Canada and Luxembourg. Applbaum's leadership on the Silver-rated Income Fund of America has translated to investor success, with the fund keeping up with the category index and outpacing 69% of peers on Applbaum's watch through the end of January 2024.

These women, along with many others, have made significant contributions to the pension industry and have helped to close the gender gap in the sector. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations of women looking to make their mark in the world of pensions.

To address the gender pension gap and ensure a more equitable and sustainable pension system, it is essential to consider the unique needs and circumstances of women in the pension system's design. This may include adjusting the retirement age for women to better align with their life expectancy, providing additional incentives for women to save and invest in their retirement, or implementing targeted policies to address the gender wage gap and ensure that women have access to equal opportunities for career advancement and higher earnings.

By addressing these factors, China can work towards closing the gender pension gap and ensuring a secure financial future for all of its citizens. The women featured in this article serve as a testament to the progress that has been made in the pension industry and the potential for further advancements in the future.

In conclusion, the women who rule pensions have made significant strides in the industry, breaking through barriers and contributing to the closure of the gender gap. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations of women looking to make their mark in the world of pensions. To address the gender pension gap and ensure a more equitable and sustainable pension system, it is essential to consider the unique needs and circumstances of women in the pension system's design. By doing so, China can work towards closing the gender pension gap and ensuring a secure financial future for all of its citizens.