CalPERS Names Interim CEO

Robert Walton will head the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) as its interim chief executive until the pension fund names a permanent CEO in October.

Walton will take the reins from James Burton, who is leaving after seven years as chief executive of the Sacramento-based public pension fund to head up the Wold Gold Council, a gold industry association in London.

Walton joined the pension fund in 1971 and most recently served as its assistant executive officer in charge of governmental affairs, planning, research and the customer call center. In his new role, Walton will oversee the system’s day-to-day operations. He is not a candidate for the permanent CEO position.