NEWS

Roger Sayler Poised to Retire as CIO of Church Pension Group

By David G. Barry

 

After eight years as chief investment officer of The Church Pension Group (CPG), Roger A. Sayler has announced plans to retire at the end of the year.


In a statement, CPG said that under Sayler’s guidance, the investment portfolio has grown by more than 60% to $18.4 billion. C. Curtis Ritter, a senior vice president with CPG and head of corporate communications, said the intention is to have a new CIO on board by the time Sayler departs. Recruiting firm Russell Reynolds is heading the search.


CPG added that Sayler’s “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.”


The Church Pension Fund (CPF) returned 13.7% for the fiscal year ending March 31. For the 10-year period ending March 31, it has an annualized return of 9.9%, exceeding its investment goal of 6.8%.

Sayler joined CPG after serving as chief operating officer at Columbia Management Group. Previously he spent 20 years at J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., where, as managing director, he headed such areas as structure equity portfolio management and mutual funds and served as global head of derivates.


The Church Pension Group serves The Episcopal Church and maintains three lines of business—benefits, insurance, and publishing. CPG provides retirement, health, life insurance and related benefits for clergy and lay employees of The Episcopal Church, as well as property and casualty insurance and book and music publishing.