New Directors Elected To UKSIF Board

The UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) promotes responsible investment and other forms of finance that supports sustainable economic development, enhance quality of life and safeguard the environment. Members include pension funds, asset managers, research providers, financial advisers, banks and non-governmental organisations. It organises the annual Good Money Week. Three new Board Members elected at UKSIF’s AGM.

At UKSIF’s 2015 AGM on 16th September three new directors were elected to join the Board. They are John Jarrett, Deputy Head, FTSE Russell ESG; Melissa McDonald, Global Head of Equity Product and Responsible Investment, HSBC Global Asset Management and Alexia Zavos, Head of Responsible Investment, Cazenove Capital. UKSIF’s Board is now made up of five women (including the Chair Lesley Alexander) and three men – all experts in mainstream and sustainable finance.

John Jarrett said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association Board. This comes as my colleague at FTSE Russell, David Harris, steps down as Vice-Chair after having served two terms on the Board. As the market momentum to integrate environmental, social and governance issues into investments grows, UKSIF’s work in catalysing leadership and industry collaboration in this area becomes ever more important. I look forward to supporting the industry as it moves into this next stage of development.”

Melissa McDonald said: “I am pleased and honoured to be joining the UKSIF Board. Responsible Investing has been an increasingly important focus for me during my 25 years in the asset management industry. I hope this experience may be of some value in supporting UKSIF’s influential work with and for its members.”

Alexia Zavos said: “I am delighted to be joining the UKSIF Board to represent the high net worth and charity sectors at a time when these markets are showing signs of strong growth. Having spent 13 years working in the space, I hope that my network and experience will bring an in depth understanding of the issues facing the sector and help the Board and its members continue to develop their strategy in this space.”

Simon Howard, Chief Executive at UKSIF, said: “We are delighted to have such experienced and talented new directors elected to the board. We look forward to welcoming their energy, perspectives and expertise as we continue our work to develop a truly sustainable economy particularly in this important year leading up to COP 21.”

Good Money Week runs from 18-24 October 2015.