Bola Olusanya Takes the Helm at MacArthur Foundation's $9 Billion Endowment
Bola Olusanya is set to advance strategic leadership as he steps in as CIO for MacArthur Foundation's growing endowment.
Stepping into a New Era: Leadership Amidst Transition
The MacArthur Foundation has announced a significant change in its leadership by appointing Bola Olusanya as Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (CIO). Effective June 17, Olusanya succeeds Susan Manske, the retiring CIO after an illustrious 21-year career at the foundation. Manske’s tenure saw the endowment grow from \(3.7 billion to nearly \)9 billion, a testament to her effective management and strategic investment practices.
Olusanya’s Vision for the Future
Tasked with overseeing this colossal endowment, Olusanya is set to implement innovative strategies to meet the foundation’s target real return of 5% annually. His approach will likely incorporate his extensive experience from previous roles, notably as CIO of The Nature Conservancy, where he expertly managed a $4 billion portfolio. His leadership helped establish the organization’s first internal investment team, showcasing his capacity to foster growth and innovation.
Champions for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
One of Olusanya’s key focuses at the MacArthur Foundation will be to collaborate with investment managers who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This direction aligns with the foundation’s broader mission to support and nurture initiatives that bring positive societal change. As such, Olusanya is poised to blend proven investment strategies with a commitment to social responsibility.
An Educational and Professional Background Marked by Excellence
Olusanya’s academic qualifications include an MBA in finance from Emory University, a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Lagos, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ibadan. His diverse educational background enriches his approach to investment management, bringing a blend of finance acumen and technical expertise to the role.
A Legacy to Build Upon
As MacArthur Foundation President John Palfrey indicated, Olusanya is not only filling a crucial leadership position but is also expected to guide the foundation along a path of continued success. His track record of delivering returns and applying strategic leadership makes him a natural fit to lead the foundation’s talented investment team.
Accomplishments and Recognition
Beyond his foundational role, Olusanya is actively involved in investment committees at prestigious organizations such as the Cleveland Foundation and United World Colleges. His work has earned him a reputation for strategic vision and a commitment to advancing institutional missions through carefully curated investment strategies.
As stated in Chief Investment Officer, this transition marks a promising new chapter for the MacArthur Foundation, setting a precedent for innovative and socially responsible investment practices in the world of large-scale endowments.
