OMERS Infrastructure added two senior directors to focus on telecommunications, and environmental, social and governance strategies, the infrastructure manager with the C$105 billion ($85 billion) Ontario Municipal Employees' Retirement System, Toronto, said.
Timm Degenhardt was appointed managing director for asset management in OMERS Infrastructure's London office and will report to Philippe Busslinger, senior managing director for Europe, according to a news release Wednesday.
His appointment comes as OMERS is actively looking to double its exposure over the next few years in telecom infrastructure in Europe, the release said.
Bruce Schlein is joining as director and head of ESG, a newly created global role supporting OMERS Infrastructure. He will be based in New York and be responsible for developing OMERS Infrastructure's global ESG strategy and execution, working closely with boards and management teams at portfolio companies.
Annesley Wallace, global head of OMERS Infrastructure, said in the release that the senior hires "bring deep experience and expertise in telecommunications and ESG."
Mr. Degenhardt's previous positions included senior adviser to Bain & Co in Switzerland and CEO at Tele Columbus, a leading German fiber network operator.
Mr. Schlein's previous experience in corporate sustainability and ESG included co-leading Citi's corporate sustainability team and serving as a director for its Impact Fund focused on community development and female and minority entrepreneurs. He also directed Citi's Asset Finance Group team financing assets to help institutional clients meet ESG goals. He also served as an ESG specialist with Bechtel Corp. on infrastructure projects.
Calls to Citi officials about his replacement were not immediately returned.
