UK - Michael Dymond has joined the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) as portfolio manager for Private Capital Funds. 

Dymond will focus on the selection and monitoring of private equity funds, reporting to Mike Powell, head of alternative assets. 

He joins from Pinebridge Investments, where he worked as a senior associate within the private equity fund-of-funds operation.

Powell said: "We continue to increase our presence within private capital, and Michael's arrival will further enhance our capabilities.

"This is the second recent hire in the private capital team following Rob Horsnall's arrival as an analyst from 3i, and we expect to make one or two further additions to the team this year."

The private capital team at USS, the second-largest private-sector pension scheme in UK, is responsible for managing the pension fund's investments in private equity, infrastructure and timberland. 

USS now has a team of six fully dedicated to this area as part of its 15-strong alternative assets team.  

The scheme, which began investing in the programme in 2007, now has approximately £3bn across the private capital asset classes.