July 14, 2025 | News Release

AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System (COAERS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Albourne as its new Private Markets Investment Consultant, following a competitive and comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This strategic engagement underscores the System’s commitment to delivering long-term value and financial security to its members through prudent and sophisticated investment oversight.

Issued in January, the RFP attracted proposals from several highly respected firms. After a rigorous evaluation process, the Board of Trustees approved Albourne as the consultant best positioned to support and advance the System’s growing private markets program.

“We are excited to welcome Albourne as a trusted partner in our investment strategy,” said Christopher Hanson, Executive Director of COAERS. “Their global expertise, analytical rigor, and deep understanding of private markets will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the fund and fulfill our promise to members.”

“We are honored to be selected by COAERS as their Private Markets Investment Consultant,” said John Claisse, CEO of Albourne. “We look forward to supporting the System’s mission with our specialist research, deep expertise, and broad coverage. Together, we aim to build a resilient and forward-looking private markets portfolio that serves the long-term interests of COAERS members.”

Albourne will provide non-discretionary consulting services across the private markets spectrum, including strategic planning, pacing, portfolio construction, manager selection, and performance evaluation. In close collaboration with the COAERS Board and investment staff, Albourne will help guide the System’s private markets investments to ensure they remain aligned with long-term goals and fiduciary responsibilities. In 2024, the COAERS Board approved new target allocations of 8% to private equity and 10% to private credit.

This partnership represents a significant step forward in the System’s ongoing efforts to optimize its investment portfolio and deliver sustainable, best-in-class outcomes for its members.

About COAERS

COAERS, a defined benefit pension fund, was originally established in 1941 by City ordinance and has been governed by Texas state law since 1991. Governed by an eleven-member Board of Trustees, COAERS administers retirement, disability, and death benefit programs for full-time employees of the City of Austin, and serves more than 20,000 active members, retirees, and beneficiaries.

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Contact
Mehrin Rahman, Communications Director
mehrin.rahman@coaers.org