ESG Investor’s weekly round-up of new hires in the sustainable investing sector.
Global asset management firm AllianceBernstein has announced two hires, with Jodie Tapscott joining as Director of Strategy for Responsible Investing and Amelia Sexton as ESG Product Specialist. Reporting to Michelle Dunstan, Head of Responsible Investing, Tapscott joins with over 15 years of asset management experience, previously operating as Director of Client Relations and Head of the Asia ex Japan fund at Sustainanalytics. Sexton previously held the position of Head of Ethical, Sustainable and Thematic Investment at Holden & Partners. “We are building an ESG team that can deliver the differentiated insight and results that today’s investors need,” AllianceBernstein stated.
The Church of England Pensions Board has announced the appointment of Michael Pratten as CIO from November 2nd. Pratten has previously been CIO at Canopius, Coal Pension Trustees, Equitas Services Limited and the London CIV (in an interim capacity). Pratten replaces the retiring Pierre Jameson. Chief Executive John Ball said: “Through our investments we seek to achieve a sustainable return for our members and beneficiaries, whilst supporting the transition to a low carbon economy in line with the Paris Agreement goals. Michael brings vast experience and a track record of success in both the pensions and wider investment sectors.”
Raymone Jackson has joined asset management firm T Rowe Price as Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, from Morgan Stanley where he held the role of National Diversity Manager. Jackson will lead the firm’s global diversity and inclusion strategy, oversee current diversity and inclusion processes and create new strategies to support the attraction, development and retention of employees. “While we have made real progress over the last decade on our diversity journey, we know we have much further to go,” said Bill Stromberg, T Rowe Price president and CEO. “We believe we are at an inflection point in that journey, and Raymone’s track record of success in attracting, developing, advancing, and retaining diverse talent in the financial services industry will accelerate our progress.”
Dana Villanova, former COO, Co-Founder and Head of Business Development at Kestrel Verifiers, has joined global information provider IHS Markit as Executive Director. With more than 15 years of experience gathered from prior roles at Assured Guaranty, Morgan Stanley and the Municipal Bond Club of New York, Villanova’s appointment highlights IHS Markit’s further expansion into the municipal space and an intent to further innovate offerings across ESG, municipal and broader strategies. “Dana’s expertise is well-recognised within the industry and will be instrumental in advancing our vision to deliver best-in-class products and solutions,” a company statement reads.
ICI Global has appointed Eric J. Pan as its new president and CEO, beginning November 9th 2020. A veteran markets regulator, Pan brings a wealth of global experience to the trade association, having previously led a unit implementing strategy on behalf of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the wake of the global financial crisis, before moving to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, where he served as director of the office of international affairs. “I believe strongly in the power of open, well-functioning, global markets,” Pan said. “ICI’s work will help ensure that UCITS can deliver benefits to investors around the world.”
Alexander Macdonald is moving into a new role as Head of Sustainability at active asset management firm Polar Capital. He previously worked with the client services team, with an increasing emphasis on responsible investment and ESG. He will now lead Polar Capital’s sustainability initiatives and coordinate ESG activity within investment portfolios. Macdonald’s role change is a demonstration of Polar Capital’s corporate infrastructure development to meet sustainable investment demand. “The appointment is a vital step in Polar Capital’s integration of ESG factors into our investment strategy,” said Sandy Black, CIO of Polar Capital.
