The CAAT Pension Plan has announced the appointment of Jillian Kennedy as its Chief Strategy Officer, a newly created position aimed at broadening defined benefit (DB) pension coverage across Canada.
Kennedy will spearhead efforts to forge strategic partnerships, enhancing access to secure and sustainable retirement benefits for Canadians. Her role includes refining the Plan’s long-term strategy to align with its mission and boosting national awareness of DB pension accessibility.
“I am thrilled to welcome Jillian to the senior executive team. Her strong strategic leadership record and retirement industry expertise position her well to drive CAAT’s vision of expanding pension coverage across Canada,” said Derek Dobson, CEO and Plan Manager of CAAT Pension Plan. He highlighted her experience in identifying optimal plans for organizations as vital to the Plan’s innovative pension solutions.
Kennedy, who brings over 23 years of experience from her previous role as a partner in Mercer (Canada) Limited’s wealth division, expressed her enthusiasm for the new position. “CAAT’s ability to develop and drive modern pension solutions and solve challenges where other arrangements may not – decumulation, pooling of risk, longevity – is one of the major reasons why I’m so excited to join the team,” she stated. “CAAT is renowned for its culture and I’m inspired by the organization and the opportunity to create better retirement outcomes for more Canadians.”
Her extensive background in plan design, investments, and governance is expected to bolster CAAT’s capacity to support employers in adopting modern DB pension solutions, ultimately improving the financial wellness of Canadians.
DBplus, CAAT’s modern DB pension plan design, is available to organizations across various sectors, offering cost certainty for employers and predictable retirement income for employees. Its flexibility and capacity to address talent management objectives make it an attractive option for employers aiming to enhance employee wellness and productivity.
Established in 1967, the CAAT Pension Plan now serves over 500 employers in 20 industries, including for-profit, non-profit, and broader public sectors. It currently supports more than 100,000 active and retired members. As of January 1, 2024, the Plan was 124% funded on a going-concern basis.