New CEO For Responsible Investment Peak Body
23 January 2013 at 9:33 am
The Responsible Investment Association of Australasia (RIAA) has announced a new Chief Executive to replace outgoing CEO Louise O’Halloran after more than a decade in the role.
Recently appointed Simon O’Connor brings 10 years of international experience to the role of RIAA Chief Executive from both financial services and sustainability sectors, including as Director and Senior Economist for Economists at Large, Senior Investment Analyst at Innovest (now MSCI), and most recently as leading Economic Advisor for the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF).
Chair of RIAA’s Board of Directors Pablo Berrutti said that Simon O’Connor’s appointment comes at a critical point in the evolution of responsible investment.
“We are thrilled that Simon is joining RIAA, and are particularly excited about Simon’s track record in linking civil society and the investment community,” Berrutti said.
“Strengthening these connections, as many sustainability leaders in the corporate sector have done, will be critical to ensuring that the investment industry can meet the needs of beneficiaries in the coming decades.”
O’Connor has played a critical role during his time at ACF in leading the debate on issues important to the development of sustainable financial markets. These issues included the financing of Australia’s low carbon economy, carbon pricing, forestry and resources.
“Simon provides RIAA with the right leadership for the next phase of our development and to support the changing needs of our members,” Berrutti said.
The Responsible Investment Association is the peak industry body for institutions and professionals working in responsible investment in Australasia. RIAA says that its purpose is to provide training, professional development, events, research and policy initiatives that will promote stable markets, maximise financial returns and create positive environmental, social and governance outcomes.
