Principles for Responsible Investing (PRI) CEO Fiona Reynolds has announced she will be stepping down from her role at the end of the year and hopes to spend more time with her family in Australia – a feat made all the more difficult during the pandemic.
In a letter on the PRI’s website, Reynolds said: “This has not been an easy decision—to say I’ve loved my time at PRI would be an understatement. Working alongside all of you, being a part of your RI journey and driving towards a more sustainable, green and just future has no doubt been a highlight of my career and indeed my life.
“However, spending nearly a decade in London, so far away from my home in Australia, has been deeply challenging on a personal level. The Covid-19 pandemic has made this more difficult in many ways, particularly with the ongoing closure of borders, and so has hastened my decision. The trade-offs of not being able to spend time with my family, or even being able to reach them if I needed, have simply become too high for me.”
During her time as CEO Reynolds has grown the PRI from 1,000 to 4,000 signatories, set in place the PRI’s three-year strategy and been a leading voice in the development of the responsible investing industry, which has included many collaborative efforts such as the recent Investment Leadership Programme and pushing for better standards. Reynolds also took part in ESG Clarity’s very first live Twitter Q&A.
See also: – Q&A with PRI CEO Fiona Reynolds
The PRI board, chaired by Martin Skancke, is tasked with appointing a successor. “In Fiona’s tenure as CEO of the PRI, she has led the growth in scope and reach of the organisation to investors, policymakers and other stakeholders around the world. In turn, with tremendous commitment, energy and experience, Fiona has also contributed personally to the growth of responsible investing more broadly,” Skancke said.
“We are very sorry to see Fiona step down as CEO, but fully understand her personal wish to be home in Australia with family. As the PRI Board and I commence a search for Fiona’s successor, PRI’s signatories can be assured that we, alongside Fiona and the PRI team, will ensure a seamless transition. We sincerely thank Fiona for her remarkable legacy during her nine years as CEO.”
