Profile
“No matter how many clients I have, I make sure to call each one personally every quarter. It’s a chance to not only update them on their portfolio, but also check on how they’re doing personally”
Kelvin Rampersad,
Carte Wealth Management
Jillian Kennedy has long been guided by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians and chosen to do this by making retirement and overall financial well-being attainable for any employee.
As chief strategy officer at CAAT Pension Plan, she is committed to helping organizations achieve better outcomes through workplace retirement solutions. With her extensive leadership experience, Kennedy has a track record of driving organizational change and delivering impactful results.
“One of my proudest achievements has been spearheading initiatives promoting financial wellness for underrepresented groups, including sponsoring a groundbreaking study highlighting the 30 percent retirement savings gap women face,” she says. “This work shed light on systemic challenges and also fostered actionable conversations across the industry.”
Kennedy’s leadership role at CAAT has further enabled her to influence policies and solutions to address these disparities, benefiting Canadians on a broader scale. CAAT Pension Plan’s mission is to provide secure, sustainable retirement solutions that deliver meaningful value for Canadian employers and employees. Her ability to connect complex systems with human impact shines as she carries out this work, designing innovative and inclusive strategies that address real-world challenges.
Through her leadership at CAAT, she has been dedicated to driving positive change, whether by addressing Canada’s retirement gap, broadening access to secure retirement solutions, and fostering innovation in workplace pension design.
BPM recognized Kennedy as an Elite Woman of 2025 for her impact in helping Canadian organizations reframe challenges as opportunities, fostering resilience and growth. She was also honoured with the prestigious award in 2024, underscoring her dedication to empowering Canadians through innovative retirement solutions and advancing equity in financial wellness.
“This recognition comes with a responsibility to empower and inspire the next generation of women leaders,” Kennedy says. “I strive to be a visible example of what is possible, offering mentorship and fostering inclusive environments where women can thrive and lead with confidence.”
She stands out for balancing strategic vision with achieving results through empathy. She also integrates data-driven insights with a deep understanding of human behaviour, particularly in areas of financial vulnerability and retirement planning.
Her commitment to addressing the retirement gap is deeply personal, shaping her professional initiatives and volunteer and community work.
“I hope to leave a legacy of inclusivity and innovation, where the retirement sector is accessible, equitable, and resilient for all Canadians,” she reflects. “My vision is a future where systemic barriers are removed, with policies and solutions shaped to benefit everyone.”
Kennedy has also created a lasting impact through mentorship, shaping public policy, and supporting initiatives that strengthen communities, including:
250 Yonge Street, Suite 2500, Toronto, ON M5B 2L7
416 673 9000
jkennedy@caatpension.ca
linkedin.com/in/jillian-kennedy-2104726a
caatpension.ca
Jillian Kennedy
Chief Strategy Officer
CAAT Pension Plan
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Bio
Milestones
“I strongly believe in working smarter, not harder. I think it’s one of the keys to living a great life, and I want to share that with as many people as possible”
Kelvin Rampersad,
Carte Wealth Management
2005–2016
2017–2024
2024–present
2015
2019–present
Principal, Investment Consultant at Mercer
2005–
2016
Partner, Wealth at Mercer
2017–
2024
Chief Strategy Officer at CAAT Pension Plan
2024–
present
Became director, customer services, leading sales, account management, and client services nationally
2015
2019: Transitioned to head of strategic accounts and client relations
Present: Head of payer services, responsible for health benefit management and adjudication services associated with public and private payers in Canada
2019–
present
Milestones
Milestones
ELITE WOMEN 2024 JUDGE
published and sponsored a groundbreaking study highlighting the 30 percent retirement savings gap for women
featured in prominent media outlets, including CTV, The Globe and Mail, Financial Post, and the MOOLALA: Money Made Simple podcast
presented at key industry events, such as the Canadian Pension & Benefits Institute (CPBI) conference, sharing insights on workforce needs and retirement strategies
board member of Waterstone’s Board of Governors for Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures
dedicated mentor and volunteer for organizations such as GEM (Girls E-Mentorship) and Covenant House Toronto
