Robeco has hired David Thomas to be senior portfolio manager on the firm’s upcoming biodiversity strategy.
Thomas will work out of the firm’s Zurich office and, together with Aaron Re’em, be developing the RobecoSAM Biodiversity Equities thematic investment strategy set to launch in Q4 2022. This article 9 fund will invest in technologies, products and services that help to reduce biodiversity threats or contribute to restoring natural habitats.
“The acceleration in the loss of biodiversity poses significant risks to the global economy: $44trn – or half the world’s GDP – is dependent on nature,” Thomas said.
“The financial sector has a crucial role in helping to reduce further biodiversity loss by investing in companies that sustainably use or preserve natural capital.”
Thomas joins from Ellerston Capital, where he was a portfolio manager for multiple strategies, and has previously worked at Price Waterhouse Coopers, Macquarie Bank, Morgan Stanley and CLSA.
Mark van der Kroft, CIO fundamental and quant equity at Robeco, said: “David’s appointment marks an essential step toward launching the RobecoSAM Biodiversity Equities thematic investment strategy, an important milestone in the biodiversity roadmap we outlined earlier this year.”
