Russell Investments Adds Leader for Canadian Institutional Business

Chris Wright brings 38 years of experience improving financial security for Canadian investors

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Russell Investments Canada Limited (“Russell Investments”) has appointed Chris Wright to serve as Director, Institutional Sales, Canada. Wright is responsible for business development within the large-and-mid-market environment, which includes delivering the firm’s investment outsourcing solutions, implementation services, customized portfolio solutions and strategic advice to institutional investors.

“Chris brings a stellar track record of success with some of the largest and most sophisticated investors in the country to our Canadian institutional business,” said Brad Jung, President, Russell Investments Canada. “We’re thrilled to further enhance our client-focused team with his extensive business-building experience and his deep relationships in the market.”

In his previous roles, Wright built relationships with a wide range of institutional investors such as non-profit organizations, endowments and foundations, as well as corporate, multi-employer and public sector investors. His experience also dovetails with Russell Investments’ sharp focus on providing exceptional client service for mid-market and large-market defined-benefit plans, non-profits/endowments, universities, unions and corporate pensions.

Prior to Russell Investments, Wright had served at abrdn (Standard Life Investments) since 2014, where he developed relationships with Canadian institutional investors through a solutions/partnership approach. Earlier in his career, he occupied several senior institutional sales positions at Fidelity Investments Canada and for Aurion Capital Management. Wright’s career started in 1985 at UBS Asset Management Canada, where he progressed through various institutional-relationship roles.

“I’m excited to join Russell Investments, a pioneer in OCIO and pension consulting, customized portfolio solutions, overlay services, responsible investing and so many other facets of our industry,” Wright said. “Many institutional investors are increasingly facing more intense pressure and demands, both internally and in today’s challenging markets, and I’m thrilled to be part of the team that delivers the firm’s institutional solutions to benefit clients.”

Russell Investments, which ranks as the world’s third-largest outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO),* collaborates with institutional clients in various ways to reduce their operational burden so they can focus on their business. This includes customized portfolio solutions that combine the client’s internal resources with the firm’s global capabilities and expertise to attain more portfolio control, limit costs, reduce risk and enhance returns. The firm also offers a wide range of innovative products and services designed to help deliver desired outcomes.

Wright, who joined the firm in mid-June, is based in Toronto.

About Russell Investments Canada Limited

Russell Investments Canada Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Russell Investments Group, Ltd. Established in 1985, Russell Investments Canada Limited has its head office in Toronto.

About Russell Investments

Russell Investments is a leading global investment solutions firm providing a wide range of investment capabilities to institutional investors, financial intermediaries, and individual investors around the world. Building on an 86-year legacy of continuous innovation to deliver exceptional value to clients, Russell Investments works every day to improve the financial security of its clients. The firm has CA$390.2 billion in assets under management (as of 03/31/2023) for clients in 30 countries. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Russell Investments has offices in 17 cities around the world, including London, New York, Sydney, Toronto and Tokyo.

Russell Investments' ownership is composed of a majority stake held by funds managed by TA Associates, with a significant minority stake held by funds managed by Reverence Capital Partners. Certain of Russell Investments' employees and Hamilton Lane Advisors, LLC also hold minority, non-controlling, ownership stakes.

*OCIO ranking: Russell Investments was ranked as a top global manager of institutional outsourced assets in CIO Magazine’s “Outsourced-Chief Investments Officer (OCIO) Survey,” based on the AUM from its fully discretionary clients (as of December 31, 2022).