Jim Leech, outgoing president and CEO of the C$129.5 billion (US$125.8 billion) Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, Toronto, was named chancellor of Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, effective July 1.
Mr. Leech, who is retiring from OTPP at the end of the year, will serve a three-year term as chancellor.
The university's current chancellor, David Dodge, announced in June he would not seek a third term.
The position is “largely ceremonial,” said Mr. Leech in an interview, but it is the highest appointed position at the university.
“I'm a little stunned, a little overwhelmed and very, very excited,” he said.
Mr. Leech's appointment was ratified by the school's governing council at its annual meeting on Oct. 18.
In May, OTPP announced Ron Mock, senior vice president, fixed income and alternative investments, would replace Mr. Leech as president and CEO, effective Jan. 1.
