James Andrus

James Andrus was named interim managing investment director for Board Governance & Sustainability in January 2022.

He’s responsible for developing and executing CalPERS’ Sustainable Investment Strategy across the portfolio.

As the investment manager for financial markets, James draws on experience as a corporate partner at a global law firm (K&L Gates) and his deep industry and regulatory knowledge, to effectively coordinate the development and execution of financial market strategic priorities for CalPERS. He uses this expertise to identify, shape, and respond to policy and regulatory developments that impact investors.

James provides a skilled voice for institutional asset owners in several national and international forums. He serves on the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council (FASAC) and the International Financial Reporting Standards Advisory Council. He also co-chairs the Financial Capital Committee of the International Corporate Governance Network, which serves investors representing assets under management of around US$70 trillion. He’s worked collaboratively across stakeholder groups, partisan affiliations, and geographic boundaries to drive investor-favorable policies forward.

He has a history of service to his country and his local community as a former U.S. Army officer and as president of the King County Bar Association representing more than 14,000 lawyers in Seattle/King County, Washington. He also served as a board member and finance committee chair of Pioneer Human Services, a social entrepreneurship organization that assists people with criminal, alcohol, or drug histories to become productive citizens.

James graduated West Point and the University of Texas School of Law.