Bentall Kennedy has named David Denison as its new board chair.

Denison replaces outgoing chair Ron Ghitter, who will continue to serve on the boards.

“I am pleased to be passing the role of board chair into such capable hands,” says Ghitter. “Denison’s track record and experience will allow him to offer unique insights into the needs of investors.”

Denison has more than 32 years experience in the financial services sector. Most recently, he was CEO of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, where he oversaw the management of a diversified portfolio in excess of $170 billion. He has also served as president of Fidelity Investments Canada Ltd. and held senior postings in the investment banking, consulting and mutual fund businesses in Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

“Denison’s extensive knowledge of the financial services sector, impressive track record as top fiduciary for one of the world’s largest pension funds and his experience as the former chair of the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance make him an extraordinary fit to chair our boards,” says Gary Whitelaw, group CEO of Bentall Kennedy.

Bentall Kennedy is one of the largest real estate investment advisors in North America.  It has more than 500 institutional clients across 142 million square feet of office, retail, industrial and residential properties in Canada and the U.S.