UK – Mark Anson, the chief investment officer of CalPERS, is to take over from Tony Watson as chief executive of Hermes Pension Management, the asset manager owned by the BT Pension Scheme.

Hermes said in a statement that Anson, CIO at the California Public Employees' Retirement System since 2001, would take over from Watson when he retires at the end of next January.

“I’m delighted that Mark is joining us,” said Hermes’ chairman Richard Bernays.

“He is a well known and highly respected figure, of international stature, in the world of fund management and corporate governance." Anson is married with two children and he will relocate to the UK.

Sir Tim Chessells, chairman of the BT Pension Scheme, warmly welcomed Anson’s move. He said he had a very clear, rational and thoughtful approach. “There aren’t many of these people,” he told IPE. And he said he was a worthy successor to Hermes' other high-profile CEOs, Alastair Ross-Goobey and Watson himeself.

Bernays cited Anson’s “outstanding” investment performance and the fact that he has taken the Californian scheme into new asset classes and third party mandates.

“He will bring a different perspective to Hermes, to build on the excellent work undertaken by Tony and his team to date.”

Anson added: “Hermes has a huge reputation and outstanding people and I’m delighted to be joining such a successful and dynamic team.”

Earlier this month Sacramento-based CalPERS, the largest US pension fund, announced an updated strategic plan for the next 10 years.

It was not immediately clear who would replace Anson at CalPERS.

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