Culture & Community

AIMCo’s meetings with clients typically occur in boardrooms or on virtual platforms. Last June, the setting was much different when clients were invited for a memorable tour of the Cando Rail & Terminals operation near Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.

Cando is an asset in clients’ Infrastructure portfolios, acquired in 2022. It’s one of North America’s largest owners and operators of first and last mile rail infrastructure.

“We thought our clients could benefit from seeing the asset and talking to the management,” said Alan Marr, Managing Director, Client Management. “We hoped it would help them understand what this asset is and why it’s so special.”

With positive feedback from clients, more visits with portfolio companies are in the works.

AIMCo’s global footprint spread a little wider over the past year with two new offices up and running. In September 2023, the doors opened at a new location in Singapore. The team there will focus on investment opportunities in Asia-Pacific, in an effort to further diversify the portfolio globally and tap into attractive growth opportunities in the region.

“There is nothing quite like being on the ground to get into the thick of conversations, deal flow, and partner networks,” said Kevin Bong, Senior Managing Director, Chief Investment Strategist & Head of Singapore. “The team is working tirelessly to build AIMCo’s brand in the region and to source great investment opportunities for our clients.”

In February of 2024, the New York office was officially opened. The office will play a critical role in growing AIMCo’s private credit portfolio.  

The addition of Singapore and New York brings the total number of global offices to seven, including Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, London and Luxembourg.

With AIMCo employees living and working around the world, it was extra special to come together for a two-day conference in Edmonton in April of 2023. With nearly 600 colleagues in attendance, the team experienced engaging speakers and activities, learning and networking opportunities.

Among the most popular agenda items was a panel that included public sector workers who will one day collect pensions that rely on investments managed by AIMCo.

“Hearing from a teacher, a nurse and a university professor gave that added perspective on who AIMCo’s ultimate beneficiaries are. It’s never far from my mind but inviting them to our event made it extra meaningful,” recalled Kerry Nield, an associate on the Client Investment Strategy team.

Other highlights included a panel discussion with investment partners and portfolio companies, a conversation with non-profit organizations that benefit from AIMCo Foundation grants to support financial literacy initiatives, and a presentation about what the future may hold for Indigenous-led investment in private assets.

“I hope it helps people flourish.”

That’s what Joel Perry said when asked what his hope was for colleagues who join AIMCo’s newest employee resource group. It’s called CARE, named for its principles — collaboration, acceptance, respect and empathy. The focus is to empower people with disabilities, neurodivergence, and caregivers to achieve their career goals within AIMCo. This includes people with apparent or non-apparent disabilities, chronic illness, and mental illness.

Joel brings firsthand experience as a caregiver to his role as the group’s chair. His son has severe cerebral palsy. The 11-year-old uses a wheelchair to get around. Additionally, he has little control of his hands or capacity to swallow and has a history of seizures. With two other children, one of whom has an ADHD diagnosis, Joel has a busy household. It’s why he’s extra appreciative of the understanding and flexibility he’s experienced while meeting his objectives as a technical writer in AIMCo’s Global Technology and Data department.

“I’ve made it this far because of the support of my family and my community, as well as supportive co-workers and understanding managers through the years,” he said.

The group’s launch event attracted more than 300 colleagues, who listened intently to authentic accounts from coworkers managing disabilities or illness. Chief Investment Officer Marlene Puffer, the executive sponsor of the group, shared her personal perspective as a parent to neurodivergent children and as a neurodivergent leader.

“Setting our employees up to thrive is critical to AIMCo’s success, and that’s exactly what we’re committed to doing,” said Marlene, “By collaborating with CARE we’re able to empower our talented, experienced employees of all abilities to achieve their highest levels of excellence.”

Everyone at AIMCo is welcome to take part in the CARE community and many will directly benefit from the focus CARE is placing on building solutions for people with disabilities, neurodivergence and caregivers.

“It’s almost inconceivable that someone at AIMCo wouldn’t at some point experience, even temporarily, some form of disability, a chronic illness, neurodivergence — or wouldn’t have any of those things come up in their sphere of responsibility,” Joel emphasized.

Even with fierce competition for top talent among Canadian employers, AIMCo continues to make a name for itself as an employer of choice. AIMCo’s work culture was recognized in 2023 when it was named one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a first-time accolade for the organization.

The award was a nod to AIMCo programs, such as rotational training and mentorship, that help recent graduates find their career footing. Just as important was the recognition of AIMCo’s culture, where young employees are encouraged and supported in contributing to big projects.

“The opportunity to work alongside experienced investment teams on a major project for the Sustainable Investing group was invaluable,” said Gabriela Sanchez, who started at AIMCo as a summer intern in 2021 before landing a permanent role.

“I learned so much and I feel lucky to have done such work, so early in my career.”

AIMCo’s commitment to recruiting and developing diverse teams starts with efforts to ensure there is diverse representation in the finance and investment industry talent pool. In alignment with AIMCo’s diversity, equity and inclusion focus, the AIMCo Foundation for Financial Education took a step toward advancing gender diversity in finance and Indigenous inclusion in business with the addition of four new equity-based scholarships at the University of Alberta and University of Calgary.

“Students from diverse backgrounds face unique barriers when it comes to accessing education and opportunities related to business and finance. Our goal is to help alleviate the financial burden associated with post-secondary education, so these students can focus on their studies,” said Shayenne Selleck, Executive Director, AIMCo Foundation.

These awards are part of broader, multi-year scholarship funding agreements with the universities totalling $260,000, supporting areas of need identified by each institution. The Foundation also funds awards with MacEwan University, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and the University of Lethbridge.

Established as a registered charity in 2018 to amplify AIMCo’s community impact, the AIMCo Foundation is led by a group of passionate employee-volunteers. Along with scholarships, it provides grants to nonprofit organizations that deliver financial literacy programming and services in Alberta.

In September 2023, AIMCo committed to obtaining Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) certification from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. AIMCo is being guided on this three-year journey by Rise Consulting, an Indigenous-led consulting firm.

Seeking PAR certification reinforces AIMCo’s dedication to actively advancing truth and reconciliation. This collaborative and strategic process culminates in being evaluated on criteria defined by the Indigenous community including leadership, employment, business, and community relations.

Becoming certified signals to Indigenous communities that AIMCo is a good business partner, a great place to work, and is committed to prosperity in Indigenous communities.

During a full-day kick-off with the PAR working group made up of colleagues from across AIMCo, Jasmine Spence, Analyst, Economics and Investment Research, shared why this work matters to her as an Indigenous employee.

"The PAR commitment demonstrates to me that I can show up authentically at work, share my culture and perspectives with my team, and be in community to balance the needs of my family — this means so much to me. I look forward to AIMCo's Indigenous representation continuing to increase as we integrate the PAR principles into all elements of our organization."