John Lawrence has been named the chief investment officer Rice University, effective immediately.
Since October, he had been serving as the interim CIO of the Rice Management Co., The investment office oversees the Houston-based university’s endowment, which is currently valued at $8.1 billion, according to a March 5 news release.
Lawrence succeeds Allison Thacker, who stepped down from the role in Sept. 30. Thacker had served as a special adviser while the university sought a long-term replacement. Executive search firm Spencer Stuart assisted the university in the nationwide search.
Joining the investment office in 2012, Lawrence had served as deputy CIO prior to Thacker’s departure. A university spokesperson could not immediately be reached.
“John has been a key, invaluable leader at RMC for over a decade, helping guide the organization to best-in-class, risk-adjusted returns,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said in the release. “His deep knowledge of Rice’s values, commitment to excellence and track record of success make him the ideal person to lead RMC as we continue to enhance the financial strength of our university for generations to come.”
Prior to working for Rice, Lawrence worked roles focused on public equity investments, including as a principal and portfolio manager at Transamerica Investment Management. He was also a senior analyst focused on energy securities at Tudor Pickering & Holt.
“As a Rice alumnus, I am honored and enthusiastic to take on this role with my alma mater and where I’ve had the privilege to work alongside some of the brightest minds in investment management,” Lawrence said in the release. He added that he plans to build on the successes of predecessors Thacker, also an alumna of Rice, and Scott Wise.
