Mawer Investment Management Appoints Board Member as Interim CEO
Mawer Investment Management Ltd., the prominent Calgary-based investment firm, has announced the appointment of Eric Wetlaufer as its interim chief executive officer. This leadership change comes as current CEO Bruce Geddes takes a temporary leave of absence due to personal circumstances, according to an official statement from the company.
Transition in Leadership
Effective immediately, Wetlaufer will temporarily step down from his position as an advisory director on Mawer's board to assume the interim CEO role. Craig Senyk, chair of Mawer's board, expressed confidence in this appointment, stating, "While we look forward to having Bruce return to his CEO role in due course, we believe Eric is exceptionally well suited to guide the firm through this interim period."
The transition represents a significant but temporary shift in leadership for the investment management company, which has established itself as a major player in Canada's financial sector.
Wetlaufer's Extensive Experience
Eric Wetlaufer brings substantial experience to the interim position, having held senior leadership roles at several prominent investment firms throughout his career. His background includes serving as global head of public market investments at Canada's largest pension plan and holding the position of chief investment officer at Putnam Investments.
Currently, Wetlaufer maintains board positions with the Investment Management Corporation of Ontario and Enterra Solutions LLC, demonstrating his continued involvement in the investment and financial services sectors. His diverse experience across multiple organizations positions him well to lead Mawer during this transitional period.
Mawer's Position in the Market
Based in downtown Calgary, Mawer Investment Management manages approximately $75.5 billion in assets for both individual and institutional investors across all major asset classes. The firm has built a substantial presence in Canada's investment landscape, serving clients with diverse portfolios and investment strategies.
Bruce Geddes, who is taking the personal leave, became CEO of Mawer in July 2025 after spending 16 years with RBC Global Asset Management, where he served as president of PH&N Canadian Institutional. His departure, though temporary, marks a notable change for the organization he has led for nearly a year.
Looking Forward
The appointment of Wetlaufer as interim CEO ensures continuity for Mawer's operations and client services during Geddes' absence. The firm's board has emphasized that this is a temporary arrangement, with expectations that Geddes will return to his leadership role once his personal circumstances allow.
This development highlights the importance of succession planning and leadership depth within major financial institutions, particularly those managing substantial assets for investors across Canada and beyond. Mawer's proactive approach to this transition demonstrates the firm's commitment to stability and continued excellence in investment management services.