NEWS

University of Chicago’s Longtime Head of Real Assets Retires

By David G. Barry

Christopher Longee has retired from his longtime role overseeing real assets for the University of Chicago Office of Investments.


Longee joined the university in 2004 after five years at the Brown University Investment Office, where he served as the managing director of real assets and private equity investments. His career also includes roles with Wellington Management Company and a Boston-based bank.


As managing director of real assets, Longee oversaw a more than $1 billion portfolio, consisting of real estate, energy and other natural resource investments.


In a post on LinkedIn, Longee said that he was announcing his retirement after “18 amazing years at the University of Chicago Office of Investments and 25 years as an institutional LP” and that while “enthusiastic about starting this next stage of my life, I will truly miss my interactions, both personal and professional, with all of you. Good luck in a tumultuous investment world – stay safe out there.”
The University of Chicago Office of investments oversees $14 billion in assets, including the school’s endowment which was valued at $8.6 billion as of June 30, 2021.


Andy Ward, who took over as the University of Chicago’s chief investment officer last fall, did not immediately return a message seeking comment about Longee or who will replace him. According to the organization’s website, the real assets team also includes Senior Portfolio Manager Kate Carder and Associate Portfolio Manager Kristin Staffeldt.