Source: Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System

OMERS Ventures Announces Hiring of Derek Smyth as Managing Director

Veteran Tech Company Operator/VC Investor Adds Depth to OMERS Ventures' Investment Team

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 21, 2011) - OMERS Ventures, the venture capital investment arm of the OMERS pension plan, today announced that Derek Smyth is joining its team as Managing Director.

In this role Mr. Smyth will be responsible for helping OMERS Ventures identify and partner with high-growth companies it can finance from the early stages right through to sale or initial public offering. With his combination of experience as both a technology company executive and venture capitalist, Mr. Smyth will be a valuable addition to the OMERS Ventures' team as it seeks opportunities in the North American technology, media and telecommunications sectors.

"Derek has expertise as both a C-level executive at great technology companies and as a successful venture capitalist. It's rare to find someone who has accomplished so much in both areas, and that's what makes me really excited about welcoming Derek to our team," said John Ruffolo, CEO of OMERS Ventures.

Derek's key accomplishments include guiding numerous companies to dramatic increases in sales, revenue and employees, and through international growth programs.

Prior to joining OMERS Ventures, Derek co-managed two VC funds in his role as Partner at Edgestone Capital Partners. He led numerous successful investments for Edgestone, and acted as a board member for many of its funds' portfolio companies. His extensive operational experience also includes his former roles as President and CEO of solutions provider Bridgewater Systems, and as COO of California-based Ironside Technologies Inc.

Derek holds a Bachelor of Arts (Commerce and Economics) Degree from the University of Toronto, and completed Stanford University's Executive Enterprise Program for Growing Companies.

About OMERS Ventures

OMERS Ventures is the venture capital investment arm of OMERS, one of Canada's largest pension funds with over $53 billion in net assets. It is an initiative of OMERS Strategic Investments (OSI), an investment entity with a mandate to build long-term strategic relationships with like-minded partners. As both an institutional angel investor and a later-stage investor, OMERS Ventures is looking for successful companies with significant growth potential and market opportunities. We are seeking like-minded partners with a shared vision of building a vibrant and successful knowledge economy. For more information please visit www.omersventures.com.

About OMERS

OMERS is one of Canada's largest pension funds with over $53 billion in net assets. It provides first-class pension administration and innovative products and services to over 400,000 members. Approximately one in every 20 employees working in the province of Ontario is an OMERS member. Through the OMERS Worldwide brand, our team of investment professionals uses a direct drive, active management investment strategy to invest in public and private market assets, including publicly-traded equities, fixed-income, infrastructure, private equity and real estate. For more information, please visit www.omers.com, or www.omersworldwide.com.

Contact Information:

Media Contact:
OMERS Public Affairs
Lori McLeod
416-369-2399
lmcleod@omers.com