Shahinian Named to Run CalPERS' Alt. Investment Shop

July 7, 2004 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - The giant California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) has tapped Leon Shahinian as senior investment officer for its Alternative Investment Management (AIM) program.

CalPERS chief investment officer Mark Anson said Shahinian replaces Rick Hayes who left to become a managing partner of Oak Hill Capital Management. In his new post, Shahinian will manage a globally diversified portfolio of private equity investments representing approximately $20 billion of committed capital for the $162-billion fund.

In a news release announcement , Anson said Shahinian will also oversee CalPERS private equity investment team and external advisors to ensure that the fund’s investment strategies, policies and new initiatives are executed effectively. Shahinian will report to Anson.

Shahinian joined CalPERS in August 1998 after he previously co-managed a $1.5 billion fixed income portfolio for Sacramento-based Foundation Health Systems and served as a Senior Credit Analyst for Sacramento Commercial Bank where he focused on small to mid-size company financings. Shahinian earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from California State University, Sacramento.

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