Canadian pension fund appoints former John Lewis boss as head of Europe

Quebec-based pension fund CDPQ has appointed former John Lewis chair Dame Sharon White as managing director and head of Europe. White will join the pension fund, formerly known as Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, on 27 January. As part of CDPQ Global, she will work closely with asset class leaders based in the UK, Europe and Montréal to contribute towards the vision and strategy of CDPQ. She will be tasked with supporting initiatives that drive value creation, promoting strong relationships with stakeholders in the UK and Europe and in the local business communities where CDPQ operates – while engaging with partners, government, regulators and industry trade bodies. Marc-André Blanchard, executive vice-president and head of CDPQ global, said: “Dame Sharon White is a remarkable business leader across both the private and public sector. Her expertise and collaborative approach will help play an important role in developing CDPQ’s global capabilities and contribute to our growth ambitions both in the UK – our largest investment destination outside of North America – and across Europe.”  White added: “As one of Canada’s largest pension funds and a global leader in sustainable investing, CDPQ is delivering on its dual mandate of securing returns over the long term to ensure the financial future of over 6m depositors while also contributing to the economic development of Québec. The opportunity to contribute to this important mission – and continued growth of the group in the UK and globally – is one that I’m really looking forward to.”