Portfolio Manager Addition to the BGO Prime Canadian Property Fund

July 24, 2025

Plan sponsors may wish to consider whether this investment news has any implications for the investment options available within their plans. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada purchases units of the funds listed below, which are established as segregated funds in accordance with the Insurance Companies Act (Canada).

This is an update only and you don’t need to take any action as a result of this news.

Earlier this year, BGO announced the appointment of Tunde Akinyemi as Vice President, Associate Portfolio Manager (PM) of the BGO Prime Canadian Property fund (BGO Prime). BGO Prime is available on our Defined Benefit investment platform.

Akinyemi will support Lead PM Simon Holmes on BGO Prime. Akinyemi’s promotion is a result of a search looking to replace Shishir Nigam, previous Associate PM on BGO Prime, who left the firm in September 2024. For reference, please read our communication on Nigam’s departure here. Akinyemi has over 12 years of industry experience and joined BGO in 2021. Akinyemi will primarily focus on supporting BGO Prime’s portfolio strategy, portfolio analytics, reporting and client relationships.

Akinyemi is also the lead Portfolio Manager on BGO Canada Real Estate Plus (Real Estate Plus), which invests the majority of assets in BGO Prime.

BGO also hired Adam Cechosh as an analyst to support the PM team. BGO indicated that they are also exploring opportunities to further strengthen the PM team with additional resources.

GRS Investment Solutions team view

We’re comfortable with the promotion of Akinyemi, given his experience supporting BGO Prime since 2021. Akinyemi is taking on the same dual role – Associate PM on BGO Prime; lead PM on Real Estate Plus – that Shishir Nigam had, prior to his departure. Holmes will continue to be the lead PM on BGO Prime.

BGO Prime Canadian Property and Real Estate Plus continue to be on the GRS Watch List under Additional Monitoring, (the least severe category) given the recent changes. We will be meeting with BGO, Holmes and Akinyemi in the summer to discuss the PM team in greater detail. We’ll provide further updates if necessary.

Questions?

Please contact your Sun Life Group Retirement Services Representative

*In Quebec, registered as a Group annuity plans advisor.