ESG Investor’s weekly round-up of new hires in the sustainable investing sector.
Private equity firm Blackstone Group had named Erich Duchon as Global Head of Real Estate ESG in a newly created position. Duchon was previously global head of sustainability at real estate manager LaSalle Investment Management, and will work with Blackstone’s global real estate asset management teams to build on ESG efforts throughout the firm’s portfolio in his new role.
Kristen Le Mesurier has been appointed Head of ESG and Engagement and Platypus Asset Management. Le Mesurier, formerly portfolio manager with AMP Capital Ethical Leaders Funds, has led engagement agendas on ESG intrinsic causes, such as climate change, animal rights and social change, and joins Platypus to boost its ESG integration and shareholder advocacy capabilities. “We are delighted to welcome a professional of Kristen’s calibre to lead Platypus’s product development, and to support our investment team with ESG issues as they relate to portfolio construction and performance,” said Gary Adamson, chief executive at Platypus.
Global asset manager First Sentier Investors has announced a number of leadership appointments within its direct infrastructure team in a bid to strengthen its global managements structure. John Ma has been appointed partner and head of north American infrastructure, having previously held the role of director and head of infrastructure investments, north America. Marcus Ayre, previously co-head of Europe, has been appointed head of Europe, whilst Danny Latham and Chris McArthur retain their existing roles as co-heads of Australia and New Zealand.
Strategic M&A and capital markets advisory specialist GCA Altium has announced the creation of a new ESG director role, appointing Dr Jules Wurlod. Bringing ESG and sustainability knowledge through over 10 years of experience across academia, public sector organisations and management consulting, Wurlod will support GCA Altium’s deal teams with ESG origination and execution, as well as aiding the newly created internal ESG programme team with development and implementation of the firm’s ESG strategy. “With his vast experience in the field of ESG and sustainability, he will be able to add great value both in terms of the advice we offer our clients and also our own internal ESG efforts,” said Phil Adams, CEO at GCA Altium.
