NEPC Announces CIO and CEO Succession Plans to Strengthen Leadership

NEPC LLC, a prominent investment consultant and outsourced CIO firm managing $1.7 trillion in assets, announced key leadership changes effective January 1, 2026. Sarah Samuels, the current partner and head of investment manager selection, will become the Chief Investment Officer (CIO), while Tim McCusker, the current CIO, will be promoted to president and successor CEO. McCusker is set to succeed the current CEO, Michael Manning, in January 2027. Manning will continue with NEPC in a senior advisory capacity following the transition. Sarah Samuels brings extensive experience to her new role, overseeing investment manager selection across private markets, public markets, and hedge funds with a 45-person team. Her background includes senior investment roles at Wellesley College, Massachusetts Pension Reserves, and Wellington Management. McCusker has been the firm's CIO since 2014 and has contributed significantly to NEPC’s strategic direction, including building out the OCIO practice, which is a central investment solution for the firm. He leads over 72 staff specializing in investment research and portfolio construction. These leadership changes mark a strategic evolution for NEPC as it approaches its 40th anniversary, signaling a focus on continuity and growth in investment strategy and client service. The firm’s commitment to leadership stability is underscored by Manning’s continuation in an advisory role post-transition. Samuels's recognition in the CIO 2025 Knowledge Brokers list highlights her reputation among asset owners as a trusted investment consultant. This acknowledgment reflects her influence and expertise in investment consulting, reinforcing NEPC’s positioning in the competitive landscape. These developments impact institutional investors and retirement plan sponsors who rely on NEPC's consultancy and OCIO services. The leadership succession ensures experienced continuity in overseeing complex investment programs and evolving asset allocation strategies relevant to regulatory and fiduciary compliance across multiple jurisdictions in the U.S.