Bâtirente is naming Éric Filion (pictured) as chief executive officer, effective Oct. 6.

He’ll take over the position from Daniel Simard, who is retiring after 25 years as CEO. Simard will remain with Bâtirente as a special management advisor until June 30, 2022.

Read: Bâtirente unveils new plan to optimize investments across all funds

Since 2016, Filion was chief operating officer at Bâtirente. Prior to that role, he held various positions at the Desjardins Group for nearly 20 years.

While Filion says he has “big shoes to fill” in his role as CEO, his time as COO working alongside Simard has prepared him for the position. “It was a unique opportunity to learn about the system’s approach and values. Bâtirente’s success can be explained in large part by human interactions. Our members are at the heart of everything we do. . . . As a non-profit, what drives us is helping our members succeed with their retirement.”

And with Bâtirente focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of its investments, Filion says this will be one of his ongoing priorities as CEO.

“We want to reduce our carbon footprint by 50 per cent and, while it’s about managing the climate risk for members, we also want to find solutions for the climate issue by doubling our impact investing. . . . We want to be not only reacting to climate change, but actively looking for solutions to help the world adapt and to benefit our members.”

Read: Bâtirente continuing to reduce carbon footprint of investments