The Halifax Port ILA/HEA pension plan has appointed Blair Richards as its chief investment officer.
After more than 20 years as chief executive officer, he started the new role on July 1 and is under contract until Dec. 31, 2023. David Cranston, an internal hire, took over as CEO.
Richards began working on the Halifax waterfront more than 40 years ago in 1979. He joined Local 1341 of the International Longshoremen’s Association and is still a member today.
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He worked on behalf of his local and the ILA in labour and industrial relations as an executive member for approximately 15 years. In 1992, he became the first chairman of a newly formed board of trustees responsible for pensions and benefits on a mandate between the employers’ association and the union. He served in the chair position from inception in September 1992 until Dec. 31, 1999. On Jan. 1, 2000, he became chief executive officer of the organization.
In addition to Richard’s new role as CIO, he’s currently a director at the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, a role he’s held since May 30, 2019. He’s also a board member and treasurer for a non-profit classical music organization.
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