Speaker

Derek Walker, managing director, head of applied research and models, total fund management, CPP Investments

Derek Walker leads the applied research and models group at CPP Investments. The group delivers focused, high-impact research and builds quantitative models and analytical tools to support investment decision-making and strengthen overall total fund management. Prior to his current role, he was managing director, head of portfolio design and construction, which recommends the fund’s risk appetite and investment allocations across all horizons, as well as head of active investment management and head of portfolio engineering — all within total fund management. Walker was also previously a senior portfolio manager in the global tactical asset allocation group within public market investments.

Before joining CPP Investments in 2008, Walker held a variety of positions related to quantitative investing and indexing at Barclays Global Investors and MSCI Inc.

Walker holds a master’s in science in computing and information science from Queen’s University and a master’s of business administration from INSEAD. He’s also a chartered financial analyst.