HOOPP hires new head of real estate

The former president and chief operating officer of Morguard Investments will step into the role at the C$51.6 billion Canadian pension plan next month, replacing Michael Catford.

The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) has appointed Stephen Taylor as its new head of real estate, concluding a search led by executive recruiter BCGI American Real Estate. Taylor is replacing Michael Catford, who retired in April after holding the position for more than 17 years. Taylor will start September 2.
 
Taylor joins HOOPP from his position as president and chief operating officer of Mississauga, Ontario-based Morguard Investments, which he has held since 2002. In that role, he was responsible for overall leadership and management of the firm, setting strategic direction and policy for its asset and property management operations, for new business development and for the management of relationships with its investment clients, tenants and suppliers, according to the company’s website.
 
“One of the advantages Taylor has is that the long-standing relationship between Morguard and HOOPP provides continuity for the real estate portfolio and program,” BCGI president and founder Robert Baron told PERE.
 
Morguard, which makes direct property investments through Morguard Investments and runs Morguard REIT, is a real estate investment advisor for HOOPP. Additionally, Catford currently serves on the board of trustees for Morguard REIT.
 
The most recent investment between the two parties came in December of last year, when Morguard purchased three regional shopping centers in Canada on behalf of HOOPP and Morguard REIT from the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. The purchase, which totaled C$500 million ($456 million; €341 million), included Intercity Shopping Centre and New Sudbury Centre in Ontario and Pine Centre Mall in British Columbia.