First Sentier Investors has announced three new appointments across the areas of responsible investment and corporate sustainability.
Joanne Lee has been named as responsible investment specialist by the firm to deliver and promote its responsible investment strategy and credentials in Asia.
Within the responsible investment team, First Sentier Investors said that Ms Lee would play an integral role in supporting its investment teams and working with clients and other stakeholders throughout the region.
Prior to joining First Sentier Investors, Ms Lee was a technical specialist in the sustainable finance team of WWF International, where she led research projects and produced technical guidance on ESG integration, nature-related risks, net zero climate alignment and a range of other topics.
“Joanne’s appointment supports the investment teams’ commitment to incorporating ESG principles across their processes and strategies. This is central to their investment approach, and underpins our corporate identity,” said First Sentier Investors CEO Mark Steinberg.
In addition, Rebecca Antonini has been appointed to the newly created role of head of corporate sustainability, where she will deliver and execute on a global strategy to effectively manage the ESG impacts of the firm.
Ms Antonini has been with First Sentier Investors for 15 years and has held senior human resources, governance, change management and project roles in multiple regions.
In her new role, Ms Antonini will report to chief financial and strategy officer Suzanne Evans and work alongside the responsible investment team to ensure the firm is meeting the internationally accepted best practice standards of sustainability.
Finally, Cressida Grant will take up the role of head of corporate philanthropy to lead the development of the firm’s global philanthropic strategy while reporting to Ms Antonini.
Ms Grant was formerly head of philanthropy at The Prince’s Trust and also developed and managed the Stonehage Fleming Charitable Foundation.
First Sentier Investors said that all three appointments would strengthen its responsible investment and corporate sustainability capabilities.
“We also believe acting responsibly as a business is in the best interest of our clients and enables us to support our key stakeholder groups including our employees, wider society and our shareholders,” added Mr Steinberg.
“Increasingly, corporates are also being assessed and held to account for their business practices and social impacts and how these are aligned with stated responsible investment principles.”
