Key Takeaways
- Brent McGowan has been appointed Global Head and Chief Investment Officer of Agriculture at Manulife Investment Management.
- McGowan brings 30 years of food and agriculture industry experience, including a prior leadership role at Manulife IM.
- Former Global Head Oliver Williams will transition into a strategic advisor role to support the transition.
- Manulife IM manages US$4.2 billion in agricultural assets across 400,000 acres in Australia, Canada, Chile, and the U.S.
- The appointment supports the firm’s long-term growth strategy in sustainable, natural capital investments.
Manulife IM Names Brent McGowan Global Head and CIO of Agriculture
Manulife Investment Management (Manulife IM) has announced the appointment of Brent McGowan as its new Global Head and Chief Investment Officer of Agriculture, where he will oversee strategy, operations, and performance of the firm’s global agriculture investment platform.
McGowan returns to Manulife IM with three decades of experience in the food and agriculture sector. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Novus Ag, and previously held the role of Global Head of Agricultural Operations at Manulife IM. In that position, he was responsible for safety, environmental compliance, and operational risk, while also advancing client and business outcomes.
“Brent’s return is a tremendous positive for our platform, team, and clients,” said Anne Valentine Andrews, Global Head of Private Markets at Manulife IM. “His background in agricultural operations and leadership will cultivate new opportunities for investors and help to drive transformational change to enhance our portfolio.”
Oliver Williams to Support Strategic Transition
Continued Focus on Investment Strategy
To support continuity and strategic alignment, Oliver Williams, the outgoing Global Head of Agriculture Investments, will assume a strategic advisor role. He will collaborate closely with McGowan, with a focus on investment execution and long-term platform growth.
“Brent’s extensive experience, coupled with the knowledge of Manulife IM and our clients gained while here, are invaluable to this role,” said Williams. “I look forward to working with him to position the platform for continuous long-term growth and success.”
Manulife IM’s Agriculture Platform by the Numbers
Sustainable and Diversified Agricultural Investing
Manulife IM’s agriculture division manages US$4.2 billion in assets across approximately 400,000 acres globally. The platform operates in Australia, Canada, Chile, and the United States, offering customized and vertically integrated investment strategies spanning a range of commodity types and agriculture-adjacent opportunities.
With nearly 35 years of experience in agricultural investing, the firm is recognized as one of the world’s leading natural capital investment managers. Its broader private markets platform also includes real estate, timberland, infrastructure, private equity, and private credit.
McGowan Commits to Sustainable Agriculture and Client Performance
Emphasis on Stewardship and Community Impact
In his new role, McGowan highlighted his enthusiasm for leading the agriculture team and contributing to Manulife IM’s impact-driven mission.
“It’s a privilege to lead this team, and I am invigorated by the depth of talent and expertise here,” said McGowan. “I admire the business’s steadfast commitment to responsibly steward farmland and produce sustainable food and fiber to deliver performance to clients, and I am excited to contribute in a meaningful way to the future of the platform.”
