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ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, AND NEW YORK – Refresco Group B.V. (“Refresco” or “the Company”), one of the largest independent beverage contract manufacturers in the world, and KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced that KKR has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Refresco, with Refresco’s existing investors, PAI Partners and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (“BCI”), maintaining a significant minority position. Terms of the transaction, which is subject to closing conditions, were not disclosed.

Founded in 1999, Refresco is a global independent beverage solutions provider for retailers and branded beverage companies with pan-regional coverage in Europe and North America through its network of bottling, warehousing, logistics and other operational assets. The Company’s production platform includes over 70 majority-owned manufacturing sites in Europe, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, providing customers with close proximity and a reliable service across geographies. Refresco has built long-standing relationships with its customers by partnering to support material planning, procurement, manufacturing, warehousing, fulfillment, and distribution.

KKR will support Refresco as it expands its global and strategically located footprint to better serve existing and new customers through a range of formats and channels. The Company will build on its ability to manufacture high quality products that meet the growing demand for sustainable beverage solutions, with a focus on sustainable sourcing, responsible production, and environmentally friendly operations.

“We are very pleased to welcome KKR, one of the world’s most prominent investment firms, as our new majority owner. We are proud that PAI and BCI will continue as shareholders, which is a testament to our successful value creation,” said Hans Roelofs, CEO of Refresco. “To support further growth, we have explored the various alternatives available to us and believe that the investment by KKR is an incredibly positive development for the Company. Like our existing shareholders, KKR is supportive of our strategy and will bring operational expertise, access to capital and a well-established network to support us in our growth, innovation, and M&A strategy. Our focus of growing alongside our customers, combined with expanding into new categories and geographies, remains unchanged. I look forward to this new chapter, and for all our employees and customers to capitalize on the opportunities ahead of us.”

“Refresco has established itself as an industry leader supporting the global beverage industry with a blue-chip global customer base, an experienced and highly regarded management team, and an impressive network of assets that provides compelling value to customers. The Company also has a strong commitment to sustainability, which is an important differentiator for its customers,” said James Cunningham, Partner at KKR. “We look forward to leveraging our operational expertise from across the KKR platform to support the Company’s continued growth and further advance the sustainability of its value chain.”

“We are proud to have been instrumental in Refresco’s growth since we initiated our investment with BCI in 2018,” said Frédéric Stévenin, Managing Partner of PAI Partners. “We are even more excited about the prospect of continuing to stay a part of Refresco’s strong growth trajectory alongside KKR. We are convinced of Refresco’s unique value-add capabilities, its growth initiatives and a proven M&A track record, and we look forward to the next phase of this journey.”

“As an institutional investor with a long-term perspective, supporting strong management teams and market leading companies is core to our private equity program. We are in full agreement with Frédéric’s comments and are very happy to continue this partnership with management, PAI and KKR,” said Julian Remedios, Senior Managing Director, Private Equity, BCI.

KKR is making this investment primarily through its Global Infrastructure strategy, which was established in 2008. Since that time, KKR has been one of the most active infrastructure investors around the world with a team of more than 70 dedicated investment professionals. The firm currently oversees approximately $40 billion in infrastructure assets and has made over 60 infrastructure investments across a range of sub-sectors and geographies.

ABOUT REFRESCO

Refresco is the global independent beverage solutions provider for retailers and A-brands with production in Europe and North America. Refresco offers an extensive range of product and packaging combinations. Focused on innovation, Refresco continuously searches for new and alternative ways to improve the quality of its products and packaging combinations in line with consumer and customer demand, environmental responsibilities, and market demand. Refresco is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and has more than 10,000 employees. www.refresco.com

ABOUT KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life, and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.

ABOUT PAI PARTNERS

PAI Partners is a pre-eminent private equity firm, investing in market-leading companies across the globe. It has significant experience in the food and beverage space and is currently invested in Tropicana Brands Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium juice brands, Froneri, the world’s #2 ice cream manufacturer, and Ecotone, a leader in healthy and sustainable food. It manages over €17 billion of dedicated buyout funds and, since 1994, has completed 89 investments in 11 countries, representing over €65 billion in transaction value. PAI has built an outstanding track record through partnering with ambitious management teams where its unique perspective, unrivalled sector experience and long-term vision enable companies to pursue their full potential – and push beyond. Learn more about the PAI story, the team, and their approach at: www.paipartners.com

ABOUT BCI

With C$199.6 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2021, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) is one of Canada’s largest institutional investors. Based in Victoria, British Columbia, BCI is a long-term investor that invests across a range of asset classes: fixed income; public equities; private equity; infrastructure; renewable resources; real estate; and commercial mortgages. BCI’s clients include public sector pension plans, insurance, and special purpose funds. BCI’s private equity program, with C$20.7 billion of assets under management, has a well-diversified portfolio comprised of direct and fund investments. The team brings industry expertise across financial and business services, healthcare, industrials, consumer, and TMT sectors.

Victoria, British Columbia – BCI is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top Family-Friendly Employers and one of British Columbia’s Top Employers for the third consecutive year. The awards are part of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project produced by Mediacorp Canada Inc., which also named BCI one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers in November.

The recipients of the competition for Canada’s Top Family-Friendly Employers were released today. The editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers evaluate employers on how they help their employees balance work and family life. Being named to this list year-after-year reflects BCI’s continued commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.

“As we enter the third year of the pandemic, understanding the needs of our employees so they can be successful both at work and at home has been critical,” says Norine Hale, executive vice president, human resources. “This includes providing flexibility and support through a variety of benefits focused on their physical and mental wellness.”

During the course of the pandemic, BCI supported employees and their families through a comprehensive benefits plan, health practitioner supports, parental leave top ups, and flexible work options. In 2021, employees were also encouraged to maintain their physical fitness through enhancements to BCI’s Physical Activity Reimbursement Program.

Last week, BCI was also recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers. With over 600 employees who live and work in British Columbia, we’re proud that the work we do help our clients build a financially secure future. This includes 12 public sector pension funds, helping secure the pensions and post-retirement group benefits of more than 690,000 plan members. We also work to support the investment objectives of our insurance fund clients — one of which provides coverage for more than 2.5 million workers and 249,000 registered employers, while another provides over three million customers in British Columbia with vehicle insurance. The remainder of our clients include public trusts, endowments, and government bodies who have funds and investments requiring professional management.

“Being recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers reflects our focus on strengthening our world-class approach to talent. Our employees are BCI’s greatest strength, and they continue to cultivate a collaborative and inclusive culture which brings out the best in everyone. All for the benefit of our clients – British Columbians,” Hale added.

Mediacorp Canada Inc. is the nation’s largest publisher of employment periodicals, reaching over 15 million Canadians each year. This is the third time that BCI has applied.

Applicants for Canada’s Top 100 Employers project are evaluated using eight criteria^[1] and are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offers the most progressive and forward-thinking human resources programs and initiatives.

CONTACT

Gwen-Ann Chittenden, Vice President, Corporate Stakeholder Engagement

778-410-7310 | media@bci.ca

^[1] (1) Physical Workplace; (2) Work Atmosphere & Communications; (3) Financial Benefits & Compensation; (4) Health & Family-Friendly Benefits; (5) Vacation & Personal Time-Off; (6) Employee Engagement & Performance; (7) Training & Skills Development; and (8) Community Involvement.

New York – BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group (TIG) and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) have created Caddo Sustainable Timberlands, LP (CST), a platform company focused on building exposure to southeastern US timberlands. CST’s investment mandate is to generate superior risk-adjusted returns for investors while ensuring ecological integrity and sustainability.  John Lock has been appointed as President and Patrick Chambless as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Prior to CST, Lock was a region manager for Arkansas and Texas for an institutional timberland management company and Chambless was a financial reporting manager for a Texas institutional timberland management company.

CST is comprised of approximately 772,000 acres of Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified timberlands in the markets of East Texas and West Louisiana. CST’s platform includes key customers Georgia Pacific, Louisiana Pacific, International Paper, West Fraser, and Roy O. Martin.

John Lock, President of CST, said: “Having previously spent 22 years of my career managing the assets that comprise the Caddo Sustainable Timberlands, I am very familiar with the significant economic, conservation and environmental contributions these properties have made to wood consumers, East Texas communities and the forest industry, as well as the need to continue that legacy.  Our team at CST is committed to delivering exceptional stewardship, sustainability, and value through the implementation of science-based forest management practices that promote healthy, vigorous forests while protecting water quality and critical habitats.  We are also excited to partner with the Texas Forestry Association, conservation groups, local communities, and regional stakeholders to continue the rich history of timberland and natural resources management that has been the fabric of these properties and the East Texas culture for well over 100 years.”

Patrick Chambless, CFO of CST, said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of Caddo Sustainable Timberlands and work alongside John and the teams at TIG and BCI. We are striving to build a best-in-class organization that generates immediate yield on investment for our shareholders, while sustainably managing our portfolio and implementing the highest standards of environmental, social and corporate governance.”

Gerrity Lansing, Head of TIG and CST Board Director, added: “We’re thrilled to once again be partnering with BCI, one of the largest institutional investors in Canada, who shares our long-term commitment to the deep and diverse market of East Texas, as well as our emphasis on environmental and social sustainability. In John and Patrick, we’ve hired an amazing team to lead CST, who have decades of experience with these specific assets and the East Texas communities where they are located.”

Sameer Jinnah, Managing Director at BCI, added: “BCI is an active investor in the timberlands sector and CST is an example of our commitment to a market that can generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for our clients over the long term. We are excited to be working with trusted partners to continue to increase our exposure to high-quality, sustainably managed forests in core markets.”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ABOUT BTG PACTUAL TIMBERLAND INVESTMENT GROUP

BTG Pactual (BPAC11) is the largest investment bank in Latin America, operating in the Investment Banking, Corporate Lending, Sales & Trading, Wealth Management and Asset Management markets. BTG Pactual Asset Management has an international presence with over US$ 100 billion in assets under management and administration. BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group (TIG), a division of BTG Pactual Asset Management, is one of the world’s oldest and largest timberland investment managers with nearly US$ 4.5 billion in assets and commitments and 3.0 million acres under management globally as of Q3 2021. TIG is focused on achieving compelling investment returns while also applying high standards of environmental and social governance, and has a 40+ year track record with over 100 professional staff members in 15 offices around the globe, bringing local, regional, and global experience to bear on the management of client investments. For more information, please visit www.timberlandinvestmentgroup.com.

ABOUT BCI

With C$ 199.6 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2021, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) is one of Canada’s largest institutional investors. Based in Victoria, British Columbia, BCI is a long-term investor that invests across a range of asset classes: fixed income; public equities; private equity; infrastructure; renewable resources; real estate; and commercial mortgages. BCI’s clients include public sector pension plans, insurance, and special purpose funds. BCI’s infrastructure & renewable resources program, valued at over C$ 20.0 billion, invests in tangible long-life assets that include a portfolio of direct investments in companies across a variety of sectors spanning regulated utilities, energy, telecommunications, and transportation, as well as investments in timberlands and agri-businesses. These companies operate in stable and mature regulatory environments, provide opportunities for future capital investments, and have the potential to generate steady returns and cash yields for our clients. The program is diversified across North America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America.

ABOUT CST

Through its subsidiaries, Crown Pine Timber 1, L.P., and Crown Pine Realty 1, Inc., CST owns interests in 772,000 acres of timberlands located in Texas. For business inquiries, please contact info@caddolp.com.

New York, NY – ATL Partners (“ATL”) and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (“BCI”) announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement to sell Pilot Freight Services (“Pilot”), a leading global provider of end-to-end and last mile solutions specializing in big and bulky B2C and B2B freight, to A.P. Moller – Maersk (“Maersk”) for approximately $1.7 billion in cash consideration.

ATL and BCI acquired Pilot in 2016 after identifying a structural shortage in capacity required to meet the needs of shippers and consumers, which was created by the rapid secular growth in the big and bulky segment of e-commerce home delivery and installation.  ATL and BCI partnered with management to build Pilot from a family-owned business into the second-largest provider of B2C home delivery in the United States by investing in technology, sales, and operations and acquiring additional capabilities to meet shippers’ needs.  Pilot has grown from approximately $28 million of adjusted EBITDA and 800 employees in 2016 to an estimated $127 million of adjusted EBITDA and over 2,600 employees in 2021.  Under the ownership of ATL and BCI, Pilot invested over $70 million in technology and data science to enhance and automate decision making and improve productivity.  Pilot further accelerated its organic growth through investments in sales personnel and a strategic focus on growing its e-commerce business segments.

To complement strong organic growth, Pilot successfully completed the acquisitions of seventeen franchisees, enhancing operational control and service levels, and completed the acquisitions of three third-party businesses to add capabilities and differentiate Pilot’s service offering.  To expand its e-commerce delivery offering, Pilot built out a best-in-class last mile home delivery solution through the acquisitions of Manna Freight Systems in 2018 and DSI Logistics in 2021.  Pilot significantly expanded its middle mile capabilities through the acquisition of American Linehaul Corporation in 2021, further differentiating Pilot’s market leading position with an integrated expedited ground network, enabling superior service levels and consistent access to capacity.

“We are appreciative and proud of the partnership we’ve had with the Pilot team in successfully executing on the vision of creating a differentiated, market leader to meet the growing e-commerce demand for big and bulky goods,” said Kirby Fine, Partner at ATL Partners. “ATL’s investment process centers around developing an investment theme over multiple years and partnering with a strong founder or management team to execute on that vision.  It has been extremely rewarding to work closely with the talented team at Pilot and our partners at BCI, and we look forward to their continued success with Maersk.”

“The Pilot team has executed on a range of business improvements and growth initiatives over the past several years, substantially increasing the value of Pilot, and generating significant proceeds for our pension plan and insurance clients,” said Jason Cawley, Senior Managing Director, Private Equity at BCI. “Pilot represented the first co-sponsor investment for BCI’s Private Equity strategy. We have enjoyed a fulfilling partnership with ATL and the distinguished management team at Pilot during this investment. We wish Pilot ongoing success in the future.”

Zach Pollock, CEO of Pilot said, “It has been a privilege to partner with ATL and BCI.  They had incredible foresight on where to focus our efforts and investments, and without their guidance, Pilot would not be the company it is today.  I am extremely proud of the amazing accomplishments of the entire Pilot organization.  We are excited to be joining Maersk and for the significant opportunities this new chapter brings.”

The transaction is subject to regulatory review and approval which is expected to be obtained by Q2 2022. Pilot and Maersk will operate as independent businesses and run their operations as usual until that time.

Harris Williams and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as financial advisors and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal counsel to Pilot.

About ATL Partners

Founded in 2014, ATL Partners is a premier sector-focused private equity firm that invests in aerospace, transportation and logistics companies.  ATL brings deep sector expertise to its investment approach with ten investment professionals and seven Executive Board members who have decades of combined operating experience in each of ATL’s core sectors.  For more information about ATL Partners, visit www.atlpartners.com.

About BCI

With C$199.6 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2021, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) is one of Canada’s largest institutional investors. Based in Victoria, British Columbia, BCI is a long-term investor that invests across a range of asset classes: fixed income; public equities; private equity; infrastructure; renewable resources; real estate; and commercial mortgages. BCI’s clients include public sector pension plans, insurance, and special purpose funds. BCI’s private equity program, with C$20.7 billion of assets under management, has a well-diversified portfolio comprised of direct and fund investments. The team brings industry expertise across financial and business services, healthcare, industrials, consumer, and TMT sectors.

About Pilot Freight Services

Pilot Freight Services is an award-winning full-service transportation and logistics provider with 87 locations throughout North America. Pilot also has several locations in Western Europe and a presence in the Asia-Pacific marketplace. The company’s freight forwarding services encompass every mode of transportation, including air, ground and ocean, serving all corners of the globe. Pilot’s full mile and final mile home delivery solutions for heavy and hard to handle goods include value-added service offerings such as white glove, assembly and installation.  Pilot’s logistics programs offer a complete line of expedited and time-definite services, international shipping solutions, product warehousing and inventory management. Learn more about Pilot Freight Services at www.PilotDelivers.com.

ATL PR contact:

Nathaniel Garnick

Gasthalter & Co.

T: (212) 257-4170

BCI media contact:

Gwen-Ann Chittenden

Vice President, Corporate Stakeholder Engagement, BCI

media@bci.ca

BCI is honoured to receive the CFA Society Victoria’s inaugural Community Champion Award, which was presented at the organization’s 13^th Annual Forecast Dinner on January 27. Lincoln Webb, BCI’s executive vice president & global head of infrastructure & renewable resources, and a CFA charterholder, accepted the award on behalf of BCI.

“Each and every year we are finding new opportunities with CFA Society Victoria to have a positive impact on the careers of investment professionals and build the investment management community in Victoria. We look forward to many more years of working together,” said Lincoln.

The investment industry is knowledge intensive. As an active in-house asset manager, BCI depends on the specialized skills and expertise of its people to successfully execute its world-class investment strategies and fulfill client needs. The CFA designation and engagement with local CFA Societies adds value for our investment professionals.

As one of the largest employers of CFA charterholders in Victoria, BCI has been a key partner and champion for the CFA Society Victoria and currently employs more than 70 CFA charterholders registered as members of the local Victoria chapter.

The Community Champion Award recognizes BCI for more than 20 years of support for the CFA Society Victoria and its membership. Highlights include long-standing sponsorship of events, like the annual forecast dinner, partnering on initiatives and programs, such as joint efforts with the CFA Institute Research Foundation and Women in Capital Markets to advance equity, diversity and inclusion in our industry, and ongoing support for employees. BCI offers financial support, coordinated study tools and groups, and access to professional development to colleagues who are pursuing or have achieved their CFA designations.

BCI is also engaged with the CFA Society Victoria on developing the next generation of investment professionals and leaders in our industry through support for the University of Victoria’s Applied Portfolio Management Program, which is a collaboration between CFA Society Victoria, CFA Institute, UVic Continuing Studies, UVic Economics and the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business that gives students hands-on portfolio management experience.

BCI is proud to support the CFA Society Victoria and its mission to promote the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence within the investment profession.

For more information, please contact media@bci.ca

Victoria, British Columbia – British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) is pleased to announce the permanent appointment of Ramy Rayes as executive vice president, investment strategy & risk. An extensive recruitment search was completed for the role after it became vacant in July of this year. Amongst a pool of global candidates, Rayes was determined to be the best suited for the position.

“Ramy has done a tremendous job as acting executive vice president for the last several months and we are pleased to welcome him permanently to the executive management team,” said Gordon J. Fyfe, BCI’s chief executive officer and chief investment officer. “He is well positioned to lead the strategy and risk functions of our business today and into the future. We look forward to the evolution of the program under his guidance.”

“Development of investment strategy and risk management are at the core of what we do at BCI. It’s all about helping our clients meet their investment objectives within their risk tolerances. I am thrilled to be assuming leadership of this very important program,” Ramy Rayes said upon his permanent appointment to the role.

Rayes joined BCI in 2016 and previously served as vice president of strategic asset allocation. He advised clients on their strategic asset allocations and the implementation of their investment strategies. Prior to joining the corporation, Rayes held a senior position at LifeWorks (formerly known as Morneau Shepell) where he advised employers on all aspects of asset & liability management for their pension and benefit funds. Rayes holds a bachelor of science in mathematics from the University of Montreal. He is an associate of the Society of Actuaries and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, and a financial risk manager certified by the Global Association of Risk Professionals. Ramy also serves on the Continuing Education Committee of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.

For more information, please contact media@bci.ca.

As a long-term investor, incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into our approach is an essential part of who we are and what we do. That is why we are proud to announce BCI is tied for the top spot in the Responsible Asset Allocator Initiative’s (RAAI) 2021 Leaders List of the 30 Most Responsible Asset Allocators.

“How we assess and manage ESG investment opportunity and risk is an integral part of our fiduciary responsibility to our clients,” said Gordon J. Fyfe, chief executive officer / chief investment officer at BCI.

“This recognition reflects our commitment to continuously improving our ESG practices and highlights BCI’s leadership as a responsible investor.”

The RAAI rated 251 global asset allocators representing approximately US$26 trillion in assets, including sovereign wealth funds and government pension funds, on their responsible investing (RI) practices to identify 30 leaders and 22 finalists.

BCI received perfect marks across all 10 categories, including disclosure, integration, implementation, commitment, accountability, standards, and development.

BCI is one of only two Canadian asset allocators and 16 worldwide to achieve a 100 per cent score. BCI has been included on the RAAI Leaders List since its inception in 2016.

“We welcome the RAAI recognizing BCI as one of the world’s leading responsible investors,” said Jennifer Coulson, senior managing director, ESG at BCI.

“We continue to strengthen our approach to ESG as a source of value creation and risk mitigation, including through the development and implementation of our corporate-wide ESG strategy.”

The RAAI index was developed by U.S. independent public policy think tank New America in partnership with the Fletcher School at Tufts University. The 2021 Leaders List represents approximately US$7.9 trillion in assets under management and includes asset allocators from 15 countries in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, and North America.

“The RAAI Leaders List provides a window into the future of investing, a world where the planet’s top investors are addressing the world’s greatest challenges,” said Scott Kalb, founder and director of the RAAI at New America.

As a reflection of BCI’s ranking, Susan Golyak, senior manager, ESG in public markets, was invited to participate in a roundtable discussion in early December on the 2021 Index and Leaders List Report co-hosted by the RAAI.

We are also pleased to announce that BCI is one of three finalists in the Sustainable Investing category for the 2021 Canadian Investment Review Pension Leadership Awards. The winners will be announced in February.

Learn more about BCI’s approach to ESG in our 2020 ESG Annual Report and our Climate Action Plan.

For more information, please contact communication@bci.ca

BCI announces the reappointment of Peter Milburn as a Director and Chair of BCI’s Board of Directors, extending his term to December 31, 2022. Peter was first appointed by the Minister of Finance on December 31, 2016, for a three-year term. He has now been reappointed for a third one-year extension.

We also announce the reappointment of Sheila Taylor to BCI’s Board of Directors by the Minister of Finance. Sheila first joined BCI’s Board in 2018, and her term has now been extended to December 31, 2024. Sheila is currently chair of BCI’s Human Resources and Governance Committee.

Donna Lommer has been reappointed to BCI’s Board of Directors by the Municipal Pension Plan Board of Trustees. Donna first joined BCI’s Board in 2019, and her term has now been extended to December 31, 2024. Donna is a member of BCI’s Audit Committee.

We congratulate Peter, Sheila, and Donna and look forward to their continued contribution.

BCI also announces that Rob Taylor will join the Board of Directors on January 1, 2022. The Teachers’ Pension Plan Board of Trustees has appointed Rob for a two-year term.

Rob is currently chair (vice-chair beginning on January 1, 2022) of the Teachers’ Pension Board of Trustees, having first been appointed to that board in January 2015.

Rob is a retired educator who spent 34 years in the education sector, including 25 years as a classroom teacher and five years as director of instruction – human resources in School District 27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin). He also spent four years working on the staff of the BC Teachers’ Federation as an assistant director responsible primarily for pensions and benefits.

Rob holds a B.Ed and M.Ed from the University of Victoria. He has also completed the Pension Plan Administration Certificate at Humber College, the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans’ Advanced Trust Management Standards program, and other professional development activities related to public sector pension plans.

Rob succeeds Ken Tannar as the Teachers’ Pension Plan member on the BCI Board. Ken first joined the board in 2015 and has been a member of the Human Resources and Governance Committee and the Audit Committee. As we welcome Rob and look forward to his contributions, we also want to express our sincere thanks to Ken for his long-standing commitment to BCI’s governance.

Our board is structured in accordance with the Public Sector Pension Plans Act. Of the seven-member Board, BCI’s four largest pension plan clients each appoint a member from their board of trustees, and the Minister of Finance appoints the other three — two of which must be representatives of clients.

You can find more information about BCI’s Board of Directors and further biographical information here.

For information, please contact communication@bci.ca

Today, BCI published our updated Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (the “Code”), which sets out the guiding principles and standards of behaviour expected of BCI employees and contractors.

“The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is central to who we are and what we do. Our continued success in delivering results for our clients —and our ability to maintain our clients’ trust — depends on our collective adherence to the Code.” — Gordon J. Fyfe, chief executive officer / chief investment officer of BCI

BCI is dedicated to having a high standard of conduct that is consistent with best practices. To maintain this, every three years BCI’s Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing reports on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Code. This year, the Board approved several updates, including the addition of “We Value Diversity and Inclusion” to our guiding principles.

For more information, please contact communication@bci.ca.

Victoria, British Columbia – BCI is honoured to be named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for a third consecutive year. The award recipients from this nationwide competition were announced today in a special feature published in the Globe and Mail and on the Canada’s Top 100 Employers website, together with key reasons for selection.

“This recognition reflects our focus on strengthening our world-class approach to talent,” said Norine Hale, BCI’s executive vice president, human resources.

“But the best evidence that BCI is a great place to work is how we show up for each other, and I’m tremendously proud of the supportive, inclusive culture our people help foster every day.”

With $199.6 billion invested globally on behalf of British Columbia’s public sector, BCI’s active management and ability to generate returns for our clients depends on the specialized skills and expertise of our workforce. Continued recognition as a top employer is a testament to our commitment to delivering a great workplace for our people through holistic programs and benefits.

BCI has continued to expand on our efforts to support employees through the uncertainty and challenges of the pandemic. This included broadening the criteria for our physical activity reimbursement to include at-home fitness equipment, given many of the usual activities under the program were unavailable, and temporary adjustments to vacation carryover limits.

“Many old mindsets have been broken – for example, the way we use technology to create flexibility in our work and improve collaboration,” said Lincoln Webb, executive vice president and global head of infrastructure & renewable resources.

“The pandemic also opened up our thinking about how we can support our people in the future. We’ve improved variable work arrangements, enhancing opportunities for staff to balance work and family.”

Beyond ensuring the availability of existing programs and benefits, BCI also introduced new initiatives focused on supporting health and wellness and professional development in a hybrid environment. Employees now have access to virtual cost-friendly counselling services and an online learning platform providing text and audio summaries of a broad range of books, podcasts, and webinars.

Most importantly, being named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers is a reflection of how BCI’s employees promote a supportive work environment that prioritizes physical, mental, and social well-being.

“Despite working remotely, the staff are bound together more closely since the pandemic. It really strengthened the collective commitment to the firm and each other. And it resulted in one of our best investment years ever.”

Canada’s Top 100 Employers is operated by Mediacorp Canada Inc. – the nation’s largest publisher of employment periodicals, reaching over 15 million Canadians each year. This is the 22^nd anniversary of the award and the third time that BCI has applied.

Applicants are evaluated by the editors using eight criteria^[1] and are compared to other organizations in their field to identify those that lead their industries in offering the most forward-thinking programs and exceptional workplace cultures.

Find out more about opportunities to work with us at BCI.ca/careers

CONTACT
Ben O’Hara-Byrne, Senior Manager, External Stakeholder Engagement
778-410-7310 | communication@bci.ca

[1] (1) PHYSICAL WORKPLACE; (2) WORK ATMOSPHERE & COMMUNICATIONS; (3) FINANCIAL BENEFITS & COMPENSATION; (4) HEALTH & FAMILY-FRIENDLY BENEFITS; (5) VACATION & PERSONAL TIME-OFF; (6) EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT & PERFORMANCE; (7) TRAINING & SKILLS DEVELOPMENT; AND (8) COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.