Ms Mather has been with the firm since 2001 before transferring to Mercer’s SI business in 2007. Her new role puts her in charge of the SI team’s commercial objectives for the region, while also continuing to advise a variety of clients on sustainable investing across super funds, insurers, endowments and foundations and government bodies.
Mercer’s Pacific SI business saw record growth in 2021, with new clients being advised on sustainable investments and low carbon transitions increasing significantly as well as providing implementable advice on sustainable investing via new projects.
The firm as dedicated more than US$80 billion of diversified funds towards net zero targets, along with a further US$30 billion in sustainable investment solutions across 13 products.
Ms Mather said, “globally, acceptance and advancement of sustainable investment has accelerated in recent years, most notably in addressing climate change.”
She noted that firms are experiencing “increasing pressure” from stakeholders to guarantee that “environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities are effectively incorporated,” at the same time as meeting fiduciary obligations and handling growing scrutiny from the public and regulators.
“At the same time, the issues that investors must consider have also proliferated. Where climate change was once front and centre, the stage is now shared with other ESG concerns such as biodiversity, modern slavery, and diversity, equity and inclusion, just to name a few,” Ms Mather said.
Mercer is also on the look-out for a client leader for sustainable investing – Pacific. Their responsibility will be leading ESG and climate advice to clients.
Jo Holden, global head of investment research at Mercer, said the firm will continue to invest in “top talent” in regards to sustainable investing as the SI team doubled in size during 2021.
“We are the home for the brightest minds in sustainable investing, and we’ll continue to bring industry leading solutions, advice and research to clients,” Ms Holden said.
