Ontario Teachers to expand London office

Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan will expand its office in London to accommodate a larger, multi-asset class team, according to a statement.

The office, which will open in 2015 in Portman Square, will be headed up by Jo Taylor, who will become a managing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Taylor, who is currently leading the London office for Teachers’ Private Capital, the pension plan’s private equity direct investment arm, retains primary responsibility for TPC and private equity investments in the region. He will also oversee the full cycle of opportunity origination, analysis, value creation and execution of investment activities across asset classes.

Taylor, who joined Teachers’ in 2012, will guide all advisory relationships within the region and has also become a member of Teachers’ investment committee.

“Jo’s expanded role reflects our commitment to growing our global presence and deepening our long-term relationships with our partners in key markets. His experience, relationship building skills and his deal and market knowledge make him the ideal person for this new position,” said Neil Petroff, Teachers’ executive vice-president and chief investment officer.

With $140.8 billion in net assets as of December 31, 2013, the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan is the largest single-profession pension plan in Canada. It invests the pension fund's assets and administers the defined benefit pensions of 307,000 active and retired teachers in Ontario.