Church Pension Fund Launches Search for Next CIO

The Church Pension Fund is searching for its next chief investment officer.  

Roger Sayler, who has been the fund’s CIO since 2014, is planning to retire, a spokesperson for the fund has confirmed.

“After eight years of dedicated service, Roger will retire at the end of the year,” CPF said in a statement. “Under his guidance, The Church Pension Fund investment portfolio has grown significantly by more than 60 percent to $18.4 billion. His leadership and investment prowess have ensured that we remain well positioned to meet our financial obligations to those who serve The Episcopal Church for years to come. We are exceedingly grateful for his exemplary stewardship.”

Prior to joining CPF, Sayler worked as Columbia Management’s chief operating officer. Before he joined Columbia, Sayler spent 20 years at JPMorgan in various roles, including serving as managing director, heading up the structured equity portfolio management and mutual funds teams, and being the global head of derivatives, according to CPF’s website. 

He also served on investment committees at the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board of American Baptist Churches and Portico Benefit Services.  

Recruitment and consulting firm Russell Reynolds is running the search for the new CIO, who will lead the $18.4 billion fund. The Church Pension Fund manages assets on behalf of the Episcopal Church’s clergy and lay employees, which includes pension, life, and health benefits.  

The organization posted 9.9 percent returns for the ten-year period ending March 31, 2022. Its preliminary five-year return is 11.5 percent, and its one-year return is 13.7 percent, according to CPF’s website.  

“We’re in a very good position to withstand the recent volatility as we have many times historically,” Sayler said in a video touting the fund’s recently-reported annual returns.  

“This does create interesting opportunities for the investment managers we’ve hired,” he added.