Chun Lai is a recipient of the CIO Leadership Recognition. Before Chun assumed his current role as Chief Investment Officer of Rockefeller Foundation in 2019, he first joined as Investment Associate in 1996, then rose to Deputy CIO in 2010. As of March 2025, Chun has been at RF for 29 years. The New York fund, founded in 1913, is designed “to improve the well-being of humanity by focusing on food, power, and health, with a particular emphasis on tackling climate change and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.”
An engineer by training, Chun earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and worked as an aeronautics engineer in China. Since moving to the United States, Chun received an MBA in Finance from the University of Connecticut and began his investment career at the State of Connecticut Retirement and Trust Funds from 1992 to 1996. At the $6 billion Rockefeller Foundation, Chun has fostered a cohesive team, an open mind to new ideas, and an enthusiasm for change.
What aspect of your work or contribution are you most proud of, and what impact do you hope it will have on others?
I am most proud of the stable, high performing, and fun-loving team that we have built over the last 20 years. We are competitive while cohesive. Everyone’s voice is heard, everyone is respected, and everyone has a safe space to speak up.
What advice would you give someone who aspires to be in your role someday?
Be open-minded to new ideas. Past experience helps but could also give you a false sense of confidence. Keep learning. Embrace change.
What part of your portfolio are you most excited about?
For the long run, I am still very excited about our investments in the venture portfolio. For the next few years, my guess is that hedge fund managers may enjoy some alpha-rich moments. Let’s hope they can grab them!
Who is your mentor and how did the two of you connect?
My previous boss Donna Dean and longtime ex-IC chair Marty Leibowitz have taught me everything on investing.
What is your favorite hobby outside of work?
I enjoy reading, cycling, and skiing.
This piece has been edited for length and clarity.
Market Intelligence Is Independent of the Institutional Investor Magazine Newsroom.
