Women in Leadership: Spotlight on Melanie Cusack

Now a professional trustee, Melanie brings deep expertise in pensions governance, particularly in defined benefit schemes. In her role, she connects technical insight with meaningful outcomes for pension scheme members and clients alike.

How did you get into the industry?

I began my career in actuarial consulting within life insurance in Australia. While the work was intellectually engaging, it felt a bit removed from the people it impacted. I soon moved into pensions consulting, which helped me feel more connected to the real-world consequences of my work.

My career then took me to Hong Kong and later the UK, where I discovered how much I enjoyed training trustees from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. Moving from adviser to Trustee felt like a natural next step, as it meant being responsible for the decisions rather than just providing the advice. It’s been a rewarding journey ever since.

What has been a key learning in your career?

Stay true to yourself. Your integrity is your most valuable asset. Whenever I’ve faced uncertainty, I ask myself, what is the worst that could happen? That question helps you be brave, take measured risks and grow with confidence.

What would you say to someone considering a career in your industry?

Every industry has its mix of people and personalities. The key is to embrace the variety and not get weighed down by the negatives. The pensions world is wonderfully diverse, offering the chance to work with people from all walks of life and to make a lasting difference to their futures.

What are the opportunities and challenges you’re seeing in the industry?

Pensions are increasingly part of broader conversations, and that awareness is set to grow with the introduction of dashboards. This shift is helping bring the topic into sharper public focus.

At the end of the day, everyone deserves financial security in retirement, and that realisation is encouraging innovation across the sector.
It’s also an exciting time, with developments in ESG and a growing demand for skills that reach beyond finance. From communication and technology to HR and governance, the industry is evolving and there’s space for a wide range of talents to thrive.

To find out more about our team of Professional Trustees and how ZEDRA Governance supports pension schemes, get in touch.