ESG Investor’s weekly round-up of new hires in the sustainable investing sector.
Aviva Investors has hired Vaidehee Sachdev as an Impact Analyst for its global sustainable outcomes team. Reporting to Marte Borhaug, Head of Sustainable Outcomes, Sachdev will lead research and engagement campaigns across social issues, as well as working with companies ranked in the newly launched Corporate Human Rights Benchmark. Sachdev joins from non-profit organisation ShareAction, where she led projects such as the Workforce Disclosure Initiative. “Sachdev’s extensive experience and proven track record in tackling social issues by driving change with companies and investors will make sure Aviva Investors remains at the forefront of responsible investing,” said Borhaug.
Will Martindale has been appointed as Group Head of Sustainability at the pensions risk and investment management specialist Cardano Group. Martindale will be working to accelerate the Cardano Group’s sustainability objectives, including contributing to a more sustainable economy, reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and improving human rights and diversity efforts. “Martindale’s expertise in sustainability and responsible investing will strengthen our ability to meet our ambitious environment and societal commitments. His experience will enable us to further contribute to a sustainable economy and ensure our clients and the beneficiaries we serve are well placed for the challenges of the future,” said Kerrin Rosenberg, CEO of Cardano Group UK.
Asset manager NN Investment Partners has appointed Adrie Heinsbroek as its Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). Heinsbroek will advise the board on sustainability risks and opportunities, as well as advising on external factors, such as increased regulations surrounding climate change. Prior to this appointment, Heinsbroek held the role of Principal for Responsible Investment. He has over 20 years of experience in sustainability and ESG integration. “With Heinsbroek’s extensive knowledge and expertise, I’m confident that we can remain at the forefront of sustainability developments and responsible investing, and can continue to deliver on our clients’ responsible investing needs,” said NN Investment Partners CEO Satish Bapat.
Lindsay Hudson has joined Aegon Asset Management as Head of Inclusion and Diversity, a newly created role that aims to emphasise the importance Aegon places on diversity and inclusion issues. Hudson was previously EMEA Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Invesco. She is also a steering committee member of a cross-company initiative called the Diversity Project – promoting diversity within the investment industry. “Ensuring we create a strategic and consistent approach to all inclusion and diversity initiatives will accelerate our efforts and also serve to boost and expand on the significant work of our inclusion and diversity teams to date,” said Jane Daniel, Global Chief Risk and Compliance Officer and Inclusion and Diversity Ambassador at Aegon Asset Management.
Franco-German financial services group Oddo BHF has hired Martina Macpherson as its Head of ESG Strategy for asset management and private equity. Macpherson will be in charge of accelerating the integration of ESG analysis across all sectors of asset management at the firm. She also joins the executive committee at Oddo BHF. Prior to this appointment, Macpherson was the Senior Vice President of ESG and Engagement Strategy at Moody’s. She has also held roles at Foreign and Colonial und Insight Investment Management. “Thanks to her experience, Macpherson will assist our clients who consider ESG criteria in their portfolios and want to understand their impact on the environment and society,” said Nicolas Chaput, CEO of Oddo BHF Asset Management and Oddo BHF Private Equity.
RWC Partners has appointed Chris Anker to lead its ESG initiatives, coordinating all of RWC’s activities related to ESG risks in its clients’ portfolios. Reporting to executive committee member Arthur Grigoryants, Head of Investment Strategy and ESG, Anker will work across investment and central teams on ESG projects. He joins from Columbia Threadneedle Investments, where he held the role of Senior Analyst for Responsible Investment Policy. “We are taking the opportunity to increase our resources devoted to collaboration, implementation and reporting of our ESG activities across our client portfolios. As a pure active manager, ESG considerations play a crucial part in every investment decision we make,” Grigoryants said.
Lawrence Lua has joined Singapore-based Maitri Asset Management as an advisory board member, effective from January 1. With more than 35 years of banking, management and advisory experience, Lua previously worked as Managing Director and Global Head of Private Bank at DBS Private Bank. “We are very excited to welcome Lua, an eminent figure in Singapore’s wealth management industry, as an advisor to Maitri. His vast experience in driving successful private banking and wealth strategies will be invaluable as we continue to grow our portfolio to bring premier, sustainable and future-proofed offerings to family offices, institutional and high net worth investors in the region and globally,” said Maitri CEO Manish Tibrewal.
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has appointed Herry Cho as Head of Sustainability and Sustainable Finance. Cho will assume the role from February 8 2021 and will drive the strategic direction of SGX’s ESG ambitions. This includes delivering on SGX’s commitment to actively building partnerships and networks in order to enhance industry cooperation in sustainable development. “I look forward to working with all stakeholders to make SGX and in turn Asia’s financial ecosystem a thought and action leader in sustainability and sustainable finance,” Cho said.
