Shahinian will be responsible for managing a globally diversified portfolio of private equity investments representing approximately $20 billion of committed capital.
He 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. He will report to CalPERS Chief Investment Officer Mark Anson.
“I’m extremely confident in Leon and his skills leading our team of investment professionals,” said Anson. “Leon has been instrumental in helping us to build a strong, diverse and world-class private equity program. "Our AIM Program is in good hands and will suffer no interruption in its investment plan or Board policy."
Shahinian joined CalPERS in August 1998. 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, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
CalPERS is the nation’s largest public pension fund with assets totaling more than $162 billion. For more on CalPERS, visit www.calpers.ca.gov.
