AMHERST, Mass.-The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association named Pierre Saint-Laurent as the new head of its Toronto-based chapter, to succeed Steve Kangas, who led the group for two years.

Mr. Saint-Laurent is the president of financial services consultancy AssetCounsel Inc. At CAIAA he is charged with increasing the organization's visibility and reach, according to a press statement. He received his CAIA designation in 2004.

"The alternatives industry has grown rapidly in Canada," said Craig Asche, executive director of CAIAA, in a statement. "Pierre has the access, the energy and the industry knowledge to lead the chapter effectively, grow our membership, offer a variety of new events and ultimately expand the chapter network to other Canadian cities."

The CAIA Association is a nonprofit, global organization committed to education and professionalism in the alternative investment industry, and it sponsors the CAIA designation.