Axa Investment Managers has snapped up BMO Global Asset Management’s director of Governance and Sustainable Investment as its new head of ESG research and engagement.
The appointment of Yo Takatsuki, from 1 November 2018, is part of a wider swathe of changes being ushered in at the investment group, to support its ambition to enhance its thematic research, corporate governance and shareholder engagement.
The company said that specialists have now been appointed to lead its three major thematic priorities: climate change, human capital and health.
In a statement, the company explained that Lise Moret will be responsible for the climate change strategy and Marie Fromaget has been appointed as a human capital & diversity analyst. Julien Foll will cover health and Alice Val will cover climate in addition to their responsibilities for the green and social bonds.
Andrea Rossi, chief executive officer at AXA Investment Managers explained why responsible investment has now become a strategic priority for the business.
“Not only because clients are telling us that responsible investment matters to them, but also because we are convinced of the important role finance plays in fostering a society that supports fairness and equity, as well as an environment that can sustain us in the future.
“Pursuing our ESG integration and developing further our responsible investment offering is part of our investment plan announced in June, and we wish to seize this opportunity to make us better investors for our clients.”
