Two investment managers have announced new hires to boost their sustainability and impact capabilities.
Federated Hermes has appointed Sian Long as investment director of impact and sustainable equity strategies in recognition of growing consumer demand for responsible investment solutions.
Long has some 15 years investment experience, delivering long-term asset growth in these strategies across wholesale and institutional clients.
Based in London, she will be a client facing-representative for its Sustainable Global Equity, Impact Opportunities, SDG Engagement and Biodiversity strategies and report to head of investment specialists, James Cook.
Cook believes Long’s appointment is a reinforcement of the firm’s commitment towards responsible investment solutions.
“Federated Hermes has a long track record of success in the impact and sustainable investing spaces,” Cook said.
“We have seen a significant acceleration towards sustainable and impact investing in the last year, with many clients re-evaluating their long-term objectives in response to the transition to a more sustainable global economy. This is demonstrated by the strong levels of flows across our impact and sustainable equity strategies over the past year.”
Prior to this role, Long was a senior equity investment specialist for AXA Investment Managers for over a year and a half.
Before that, she was at Schroders for over two years, notably as associate investment director for global, thematic, and sustainable equities.
Meanwhile, First Sentier Investors has tapped Sudip Hazra as director of the First Sentier MUFG Sustainable Investment Institute.
His remit includes delivering a research programme designed to enhance awareness and understanding among the investment community on a wide range of investment-oriented sustainability topics.
Established in 2021, the Institute provides independent research on sustainable investment-oriented issues including the effects of regulation, macro research on market trends, and how trends impact the performance of investors, companies, sectors and economies.
It is jointly supported by FSI and its shareholder, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG).
“As responsible investors, we believe that incorporating ESG considerations into our investment approach leads to better outcomes for our clients and broader society,” said Kate Turner, FSI’s global head of responsible investment.
“With Sudip spearheading research for the Institute, we will deepen our knowledge and shape how we can collectively respond to addressing these complex issues. I look forward to the value that he will add to our businesses and the broader investment community.”
Before joining the institute, Hazra was ESG research director for Invesco for almost two years.
Prior to that, he spent 10 years working in sustainability research and analysis at Kepler Cheuvreux.
Commenting on his appointment, Hazra said: “The complexity of the sustainability issues that investors are facing today requires much deeper analysis.
“I look forward to working with the team to deliver research that has practical application and can assist investors in their capital allocation decisions and company engagement programs.”
