Pension Fund

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International Paper Co Ret Acct - Mid Cap Pool

International Paper Company established its pension plan in 1945 to deliver retirement, disability, and death benefits to employees. The plan operates from...

International Paper Co Ret Acct - Mid Cap Pool logo

International Paper Co Ret Acct - Mid Cap Pool

International Paper Company established its pension plan in 1945 to deliver retirement, disability, and death benefits to employees. The plan operates from Memphis and draws its funding from the earnings of the parent pulp-and-paper company founded in 1898. The fund deploys capital across private equity, timberland, and commercial real estate. It holds a limited-partner interest in Warburg Pincus Private Equity XII and maintains a dedicated timberland account covering holdings in the United States and international markets. A separate account invests in Prudential Retirement Real Estate Fund, a vehicle that blends 75 percent private real estate with 25 percent REITs. Geographic exposure spans North America and selected international timber regions. Robert M. Hunkeler serves as Vice President, Investments and has been cited as responsible for $15B across the company’s retirement plans. The fund reported 11.11 percent allocation to private equity in its most recent filings. In October 2024 the plan participated as a speaker at the Pensions & Investments Defined Contribution West conference in Pasadena, California, discussing innovation in 401(k) structures and private real-estate vehicles. Additional offices are not disclosed. The plan’s structure is shaped by its status as a corporate defined-benefit vehicle rather than a standalone family office or multi-strategy manager. Governance flows through the International Paper treasury with oversight from the Committee on Investment of Employee Benefit Assets, where Hunkeler previously served as chairman.

General information

Firm type

Pension Fund

Year founded

1945

Location

Region

North America

Country

United States

City

Memphis

Corporate office

6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38197, United States

Principals

Robert M. Hunkeler

Vice President, Investments

Diana K. Winalski

Former Deputy Chief Investment Officer

Michael Carroll

Investment Manager

Sector focus

Real EstateTimberPrivate Equity

Frequently asked questions

Who runs investment decisions at International Paper Co Ret Acct - Mid Cap Pool?

Robert M. Hunkeler serves as Vice President, Investments and holds responsibility for the plan’s portfolio construction and manager selection.

Does the fund participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

The plan acts as a limited partner in funds such as Warburg Pincus Private Equity XII and also holds direct timberland and real-estate assets.

What asset classes receive the largest allocations?

Public filings show an 11.11 percent allocation to private equity alongside dedicated timberland and commercial real-estate accounts.

Where does the underlying wealth come from?

The plan is funded by contributions from International Paper Company, the Memphis-based pulp and paper manufacturer established in 1898.

How is the fund related to International Paper Company Foundation?

The foundation is a separate philanthropic entity; former Deputy CIO Diana K. Winalski also served as its treasurer.

What professional networks does the plan maintain?

The plan has participated in the Committee on Investment of Employee Benefit Assets, Pension Group East, and Greenwich Roundtable.

Does the plan maintain an ESG policy?

The fund maintains a responsible investment policy that incorporates ESG factors within its ERISA fiduciary framework.

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