The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board is appointing Zubaid Ahmad to the newly created role of senior advisor, United States.
“This appointment elevates the CPPIB’s partnership and deal origination efforts to an even stronger position in the world’s largest investment market,” said the press release.
Based out of New York City, Ahmad’s position is effective immediately. The role will focus on identifying and evaluating potential investment opportunities and partners that fit the CPPIB’s strategy, as well as enhancing the CPPIB’s position in the U.S. market, which currently amounts to $126.5 billion or 31.6 per cent of the CPPIB’s total investments.
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“The U.S. remains the largest investment region for CPPIB and appointing Zubaid as senior advisor will build on our presence and network of investment partners,” said Alain Carrier, senior managing director and head of international at the CPPIB. “Amid the competitive investment landscape, adding another dedicated resource with Zubaid’s expertise and network will help to focus our efforts and identify new opportunities across asset classes.”
Ahmad has more than 35 years of global experience in corporate finance and relationship management with deep ties to the investment banking and private equity communities. He’s the founder and managing partner of Caravanserai Partners, a boutique merchant banking firm focused on mergers and acquisitions, sovereign advisory, strategic capital raising and alternative investment activities.
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Prior to that role, Ahmad was vice-chairman of institutional clients and co-head of global asset managers at Citigroup Inc. and held senior roles at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and Credit Suisse Group.
“I am pleased to partner with a global investment organization of CPPIB’s caliber and reputation, and to help expand its investment activities in the United States,” said Ahmad. “I have had the opportunity to work with a number of the CPPIB investment teams over the years in my other roles, and am looking forward to working with the organization even more closely.”