Alberta Investment Management Names Marlene Puffer CIO

Alberta Investment Management Corporation has named Marlene Puffer CIO of the C$150 billion ($110.3 billion) Canadian investment manager, effective January 30. [Source]

In her new role, Puffer will serve as head of public and private investments and will be responsible for real estate, infrastructure, private debt and loan, fixed income, private mortgages, economics and fund strategy, while addressing both liquid and illiquid investments.

“I am delighted to have Marlene join AIMCo. She is both a fantastic addition to the company and a complement to our leadership team,” Evan Siddall, AIMCo CEO, said in a statement. “I look forward to Marlene’s guidance and investment acumen to ensure we are at the forefront of global asset management as we aim to fulfill our purpose for our clients and build a better financial future for all Albertans.”

Puffer joins AIMCo from CN Investment Division, where she was president and CEO and was accountable for the investment management and organizational oversight of the CN Pension Trust Funds. Prior to that, she was vice chair of the board of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Puffer was also founder and president of Toronto-based Twist Financial, a provider of strategic advice, education, investment strategy and implementation for institutional investors. She was also chief strategist and managing editor for global fixed-income strategy at BCA Research in Montreal. [Source]

Puffer will replace co Sandra Lau, who was named co-CIO in March and most recently served as interim, but has now decided to leave the company.

“I want to acknowledge and thank Sandra Lau for her deep commitment to AIMCo and track record of delivering client value over the past 24 years,” said Siddall. “While we are very sad to see her go, we wish Sandra the very best for the future. She would be an asset to any investment organization.”