Barbara Zvan of University Pension Plan Named 2025 Ontario CEO of the Year

(TORONTO – November 6, 2025) – The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) announced today that Barbara Zvan, President and CEO of the University Pension Plan Ontario (UPP), has been named the 2025 CEO of the Year in its annual Ontario Business Achievement Awards. 

The award recognizes a CEO who has demonstrated exceptional leadership over the past 12 months, driving their organization to new levels of growth and success while having a positive impact on their industry and community.  

“Barbara Zvan is an exceptional leader who exemplifies both purpose and performance,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the OCC. “In just four years, she and her team have built a fully funded $12.8-billion pension plan, delivering outstanding returns and managing long-term risk with Canada’s boldest climate targets. Barb’s vision, collaborative spirit and advocacy for sustainable investing are helping transform the nation’s investment landscape.” 

Under Zvan’s stewardship, the UPP serves over 41,000 members across Ontario’s academic sector and achieved an excellent 10.3% net return in 2024. Her leadership is informed by decades of experience at the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, where she spent 25 years shaping strategy and risk management. 

Zvan’s influence extends far beyond UPP. She has shaped national and international financial policy as a member of the Government of Canada’s Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance and the Sustainable Finance Action Council, and she continues to champion responsible investing as Chair of Climate Engagement Canada, a member of the McConnell Foundation’s Investment Committee, and a Senior Fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute. 

At UPP, she has boldly committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. She has also fostered an inclusive, mission-driven culture, positioning UPP as a national model for sustainable, responsible investing.  

“I’m honoured to receive this recognition, which truly belongs to the entire team at UPP,” said Barbara Zvan. “It reflects our belief that pension plans can deliver lasting financial security for members while being innovative, purpose-driven leaders in the transition to a more sustainable economy in Ontario.” 

Conferred by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, which represents businesses of every size, sector and community, the Ontario Business Achievement Awards (OBAAs) are the premier celebration of business success in the province. 

The 2025 OBAAs air on TLN TV on November 15 and 16, featuring a CEO of the Year Award episode celebrating Zvan’s career, her pioneering vision in sustainable finance, and the success of the University Pension Plan Ontario. The episode is proudly sponsored by Turkish Airlines and Eckler. 

The OBAAs are supported by the OCC’s series presenting partner, CN, and its broadcast partner, TLN Media Group. To learn more about the broadcast and our partners, visit the OBAA website here.  

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce 

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC convenes, mobilizes and empowers business and local chambers in pursuit of its purpose: to bring inclusive and sustainable prosperity to Ontario’s businesses, workers, and communities.

About University Pension Plan 

University Pension Plan Ontario (UPP) is a jointly sponsored defined benefit pension open to all Ontario university sector employers and employees. UPP manages $12.8 billion in pension assets and proudly serves over 41,000 members across five universities and 14 sector organizations. The plan invests to deliver secure, stable pension benefits for members today and for generations to come. For more information, please visit myupp.ca and follow UPP on LinkedIn. 

For more information, please contact:  

Michael Thede
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Manager, Communications & Marketing
michaelthede@occ.ca | 647-335-1153 

Kelly Conlon
University Pension Plan 
Managing Director, Strategic Communications and External Relations
media@universitypensionplan.ca