Alternative real estate investment manager Qualitas has confirmed the appointment of Fiona Reynolds as chair of the Qualitas ESG advisory group on Monday.
Ms Reynolds has an extensive background in global finance and ESG, having previously been chief executive of the Principles for Responsible Investment between 2012 and 2021. She is currently chair of the UN Global Compact Network Australia which seeks to mobilise Australia’s leading businesses to create a sustainable future.
Moreover, Ms Reynolds is also the director of the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute.
On her appointment, Ms Reynolds said: “Commercial real estate is a key lever for achieving better environmental, social and governance outcomes for societies around the world, and awareness among investors about the importance of sustainability in this asset class is very strong. I am delighted to be working with Qualitas at this exciting phase of their ESG growth journey.”
Qualitas group managing director and co-founder, Andrew Schwartz, said the advisory group has been created to identify and report progress against objectives, and influence positive ESG outcomes with borrowers and partners.
“It is difficult to think of anyone in Australia whose expertise in sustainable investment is as deep as that of Fiona,” Mr Scwartz said.
“Having worked as part of some of the most significant international bodies in ESG and responsible investing, Fiona will play an invaluable role in helping us establish our ESG charter and ensuring it is a fundamental pillar of our business. Our focus is on how we can maximise ESG impact in a meaningful way at both the corporate level and via our funds,” he concluded.
