Former chief executive of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), Simon O’Connor, has joined the ethical advisory panel at U Ethical Investors.
O’Connor worked as chief executive of the RIAA for a decade until stepping down at the end of 2023.
RIAA represents over 500 investment organisations across Australia and New Zealand that manage over US$30 trillion in assets under management.
During his time at the organisation, he led the Responsible Investment Certification Program, which includes over 330 investment products; established the Australian Sustainable Finance Initiative (ASFI); became chair of the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance; and led a regional consultation group for the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures.
It has now been announced that he will join the ethical advisory board of U Ethical Investors, an Australian fund manager founded in 1985.
The firm said: “With over 20 years of expertise at the intersection of economics, finance, and sustainability, Simon has led significant advancements in environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), and climate change frameworks across the finance, corporate, and non-profit sectors.”
U Ethical chief executive Mathew Browning said: “Simon’s appointment strengthens our commitment to ethical investment leadership. His insights will be invaluable as we continue to champion responsible investment.”
Rachel Alembakis, U Ethical stewardship manager, added: “Simon’s expertise, especially his work with NGOs, broadens our ability to approach ethical investment with a holistic view, enhancing both our stewardship and investment practices.”
Since leaving RIAA, O’Connor has also taken up roles as an honorary fellow at the University of Melbourne and a member of the Nature Finance Council, which has been established to advise the government on how to increase private sector financial flows to benefit nature.
Last month, the firm appointed Kenneth De Bruycker as a senior responsible investment analyst, who will be working to enhance the firm’s ESG-focused investment strategies and reporting capabilities. He will also advance the integration of ESG considerations into U Ethical’s investment process and its commitment to sustainable and ethical investment practices.
De Bruycker joined U Ethical from KBC Asset Management in Belgium, where he worked for 10 years as a coordinator for responsible investing.
“Kenneth’s extensive understanding of ESG issues, combined with his proven track record in investment stewardship and financial analysis, will be instrumental in driving U Ethical’s continued focus on responsible investing,” the firm said.
