CalPERS aligns performance pay with new allocation strategy

CalPERS is set to change its benchmarks for measuring performance compensation for senior investment staff so they are consistent with recent changes to its strategic asset allocation.Earlier in the year CalPERS introduced a range of new benchmarks, including composite benchmarks for the new asset classes. The proposed performance plan will align with these benchmark changes.

The restructure of asset classes resulted in assets being classified in five main groupings: growth, income, inflation, real assets and liquidity.

Some of the key performance changes reflect CalPERS’ economic outlook for likely returns in the coming year, with infrastructure performance benchmark changed from CPI plus 5 per cent to CPI.

AIM (private equity) moved to a global public markets-based benchmark to better align with global equity and total fund policy benchmark.

In forestland the benchmark for measuring performance was changed to NCREIF Timberland.

Performance plans will also take into account both quantitative and qualitative measures.

Sponsored Content

Chief investment officer, Joe Dear (pictured), will have 70 per cent of his performance compensation in quantitative measures, calculated on a sliding scale of performance above a series of basis points hurdles for the total fund.

Of his performance remuneration, 20 per cent will depend on qualitative factors such as leadership, succession planning, risk management and teamwork.

The remaining 10 per cent will be decided by performance in enterprise-wide initiatives during the fiscal year.

The board will review the new performance measures at its May 17 meeting.  A second board level review is set for June to further refine certain benchmarks and incentive schedules.

Leave a Comment

Sort content by

Vale Sheikh Ahmed of ADIA

The managing director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed al Nehayan, died on March 26 in a glider accident in Morocco. His legacy to the investment management industry is a commitment to improved transparency, disclosure and cooperation. mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

How to value the great southern timberlands

The Australian and New Zealand timberland markets are opening up in a big way. And because the investment environment for the assets in these countries is much less efficient than in the US, there are opportunities to buy good assets cheaply. But Eugene Snyman of Cambridge Associates says managers with a local presence will drive

Dialogue has limited power for Ethical Council

The Ethical Council, a collaboration between the Swedish funds AP1-4, concluded dialogues with four companies in 2009 after achieving its ethical objectives, but unsuccessful dialogue with Elbit Systems has resulted in the funds excluding the company from their portfolios effective immediately. mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

CalPERS expands engagement

CalPERS plans to send a written request to up to 58 of its largest domestic company investments to adopt a majority voting standard in uncontested director elections, following an increase in the number of shareowner proposals that staff have been delegated to submit at CalPERS portfolio companies. mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

Confident Yale validates investment strategy with private equity increase……

The $16.3 billion Yale endowment has increased its long-term allocation to private equity from 21 to 26 per cent, and increased the real assets exposure from 29 to 37 per cent. mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

…. as green investments/sustainability become a focal point

The Yale endowment has a substantial and growing exposure to green investments with allocations in timberland, emerging markets and venture capital including more than $100 million in cleantech. mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

Previous