From value driver to cost centre: The changing role of the CSO
As financial institutions step away from environmental pledges, CSOs juggle sustainability goals and business pressures
Reporting to the international business of Federated Hermes’ CEO, Leon is responsible for developing and directing the responsibility integration program across the group. This includes ensuring that investment teams are aware of and integrate ESG performance in investment decisions and that engagement is effectively incorporated alongside investment activities.
In this role he also oversees and contributes to how the firm’s responsibility activities and performance are integrated into our client relationship management and reporting, the delivery of our corporate citizenship programme and the development of responsible structures and processes for the firm. He also leads a number of corporate and public policy engagements.
Previously, Leon was responsible for the development and delivery of EOS at Federated Hermes’ global corporate and public policy engagement programme from 2012-2016 and acted as its commercial director from 2009-2012. Prior to that, Leon worked within the Hermes UK Large Cap Focus Fund for seven years, where he was responsible for executing the fund’s engagement programmes. He also has 12 years of strategy consulting and operational industry experience.
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