IFM Investors has announced the appointment of Maria Nazarova-Doyle as head of sustainable investment, a newly created role within the firm.
Ms Nazarova-Doyle brings a wealth of experience in pensions, stewardship, and sustainable investing to the position, most recently having been head of responsible investments and stewardship at UK-based life insurance and pensions company Scottish Widows.
She has also held senior positions at JLT Employee Benefits where she was head of DC investments, and Mercer, where she was principal and market engagement leader in its DC and individual wealth business.
Since 2022, Ms Nazarova-Doyle has been a board member for the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association and its policy committee.
Moreover, she is also an active member of the PMI Advisory Council, ABI Climate Change and Stewardship Working Groups, Occupational Pensions Stewardship Council, and a number of government-led taskforces.
In her new role, she will be based in London to lead IFM’s global sustainable investment team, focusing on the implementation and measurement of sustainability initiatives across the business’ global portfolio.
According to a statement issued by the firm on Monday, she will report to chief strategy officer Luba Nikulina.
Commenting on the appointment, Ms Nikulina said: “Maria joins IFM at a crucial moment in our industry’s adoption of more sustainable investing processes, as clients continue to turn their attention towards both the opportunities and challenges of issues like climate change and energy security.”
“Maria’s in-depth experience and technical knowledge of investment stewardship helps strengthen our broader sustainable investment team and will support our clients in achieving their investment objectives,” she continued.
Ms Nazarova-Doyle added: “I’m so pleased to be joining IFM Investors and helping build on its already well-established sustainability credentials.
“There is real opportunity for global investment managers to deliver returns for clients, while also embedding sustainable investment practices into their decision making.
“Positive change is urgently required in the real economy and IFM Investors’ position as one of the leading private market investors is an unrivalled platform to help create a more sustainable future.
“I look forward to getting started, leading and learning from my team, and delivering for our owners and clients, their members and beneficiaries,” Ms Nazarova-Doyle concluded.
