The University Pension Plan is appointing Aaron Bennett (pictured left) as its first chief investment officer.
In his new role, Bennett will be responsible for establishing an innovative, risk-optimized investment strategy designed to offer retirement security to plan members and promote responsible investing, according to a press release.
Read: UPP naming Christophe L’Ahelec director of external manager program
Most recently, Bennett was director of sustainable investment strategies and research at the Toronto-based investment firm Jarislowsky Frasier Ltd. He joined the company as a director and senior research analyst in 2014. Earlier in his career, Bennett worked at the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan as a portfolio manager in its natural resources group. From 2017 to 2020, he was also an advisory board member for the United Nations’ principles for responsible investment.
The UPP is also appointing Peter Martin Larsen (pictured right) as senior managing director of private markets. He’ll be responsible for a range of alternative investments, including infrastructure, real estate and private equity.
Most recently, Larsen was senior director of investment for the Copenhagen-based PensionDanmark. He was also a committee member on the the Danish Investment Fund for Developing Countries.
Read: University Pension Plan tackling ESG issues by joining 30% Club, CCGG and SHARE
In a post on LinkedIn, Larsen expressed excitement about the UPP’s approach to sustainable investing. “[The] UPP is at the forefront of the sustainability agenda and there is such an exciting journey ahead of us, which I am very much looking forward to contributing to.”
In a press release, Barbara Zvan, the UPP’s president and chief executive officer, described both new hires as investment leaders and praised their expertise and commitment to sustainable investing. “We could not ask for better ambassadors to help shape and lead [the] UPP’s investment vision.”
Read: University Pension Plan names Barbara Zvan inaugural president, CEO