Newly appointed chief investment officer takes over investing responsibilities from pension fund president and CEO
After an exhaustive search, the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) has named its new chief investment officer.
Effective September 15, Michael Wissell was appointed as HOOPP’s new CIO. Until Wissell’s appointment, the pension fund’s president and CEO Jeff Wendling had also been fulfilling CIO responsibilities since he became CEO in March last year.
“I am very pleased to have someone of Michael’s calibre moving into this critical position at HOOPP,” Wendling said in a statement. “His deep knowledge and understanding of the HOOPP Fund, our investment strategies and the investment teams, combined with his more than 30 years of investment experience, make him the right choice for the role.”
According to a statement from HOOPP, Wissell has a long track record of market leadership and innovation across public and private markets, as well as asset allocation and portfolio construction.
He has been with HOOPP for more than three years as senior vice president, Capital Markets & Total Portfolio. Over that time, he has established himself as an important member of HOOPP’s Executive Leadership team and Investment Management division, helping foster a culture of innovation and bringing forward new investment strategies.
Before his time at HOOPP, Wissell held increasingly senior responsibilities at the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan from 2002 to 2018. He has also sat at numerous boards of directors including the Canadian Coalition for Good Corporate Governance, and has been a member of the Ontario Securities Commission Investor Advisory Panel.
“I’m honoured to be HOOPP’s next CIO and look forward to building upon the success of my predecessors. HOOPP has an excellent track record of adapting to evolving market conditions and maintaining a strong funded position for our members,” Wissell said. “It’s a privilege to help Ontario’s healthcare workers achieve retirement security, especially now as our members are going through extremely challenging times.”
While remaining a key member of the Executive team, Wissell will lead the investment team, and have a lead role in HOOPP’s investment strategies.
