PensionsJul 23 2014

Leading pensions academic dies after short illness

twitter-iconfacebook-iconlinkedin-iconmail-iconprint-icon
Search supported by

Professor Orla Gough, a former pensions and finance specialist at the University of Westminster, has died, according to a university spokesman.

Professor Barbara Allan, pro vice chancellor and dean at Westminster Business School, University of Westminster, said she was “deeply saddened” to announce that Ms Gough had died on 12 July 2014.

Ms Gough joined the University of Westminster in September 1988 after gaining a PhD in pensions from the London School of Economics.

She was appointed as chair of the department for finance and business law in 1997, a position which later became head of department, accounting, finance and governance.

Ms Gough was awarded the title of professor of pensions and financial services in 2009 based on her research, which focused on pensions with specific reference to occupational pension schemes’ liabilities and benefit structures.

She also founded the highly respected Pensions Research Network, which brought together academics and industry members.

Ms Allan said: “Under her leadership, the department developed an innovative and successful portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate courses which attract hundreds of students each year.

“This is a great legacy which will have an impact on professional practice for years to come. Within the wider business school and university, Orla contributed to a wide range of developments and initiatives with great determination, energy, enthusiasm and insight.

“The Westminster Business School and university have lost a great colleague.”

Writing in a Pensions Research Network newsletter, Ms Allan said that Ms Gough had requested a private family funeral in Ireland, her home country, this week, and that her family had requested no flowers but donations to the MacMillan Cancer Support charity.

Ms Allan said she would give updates about a memorial service in London planned for autumn.