The investment group says it is investigating expansion into new agri sectors and will eschew private equity for long term private investment when it comes to agricultural infrastructure.
Anne Stausboll has served CalPERS as chief executive since January 2009, a time when the largest US public pension fund was experiencing turmoil from the financial crisis and an ethics scandal involving its former officials.
Skye Macpherson gained fifteen years of portfolio management experience at Colonial First State Global Asset Management before joining BlackRock last year.
Iain Elgin joins the London office after working for CBRE in Australia. The firm has also made three other hires since September.
Michael Christodolou replaces Dean Jernigan on the REIT's board of directors.
The American agri giant, which is about to spin out asset management arm Black River, says a single executive team of 10 will speed up decision-making at the top of the company.
The addition is the first since being taken over by Arlon Group's North America-focused food and agri fund.
The new additions bring on-the-ground PE experience in Africa and knowledge of large-scale deal execution.
Remi Claro has been appointed to head the Australian sandalwood producer.
Rikard Kjörling joined the fund in 2007 to head the newly-created unit.