The federal finance ministry appointed Robert Astley to the board of directors of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board on Monday.

Astley was president of Sun Life Financial Canada from 2002 to 2004. He has served as chair of the board of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association and is currently a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, Laurier School of Business & Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University.

“I have no doubt Astley’s experience will help the CPPIB continue to produce impressive returns, which benefit all Canadians,” said Jim Flaherty, minister of finance, in announcing the appointment.

Directors of the CPPIB are selected by the federal government, in consultation with participating provincial governments, from a list of qualified candidates provided by a joint federal-provincial nominating committee.

The nominating committee, currently chaired by Brian McNeill, comprises 10 members, one appointed by the federal government and one appointed by each of the nine participating provinces.