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The ratings house is pinning its growth strategy on a revamped methodology that increases the emphasis on governance to 25 per cent – a timely move considering APRA’s proposed reforms.
Capital Group strengthens ESG commitment
Capital Group has recruited Jessica Ground as global head of ESG, a new position for the US$1.7 trillion firm. She will join Capital from Schroders, where she has worked for about 20 years, in September. Capital has a well-established Australian and New Zealand presence.
Ground, who will be based in London, will be responsible for further incorporating Capital’s ESG approach into its investment processes globally. She will work with teams across investment groups, distribution, marketing and technology. She will also represent Capital as an active participant in companies and organisations promoting ESG issues across the business landscape.
At Schroders, Ground most recently served as the firm’s global head of stewardship. In this role she was responsible for leading a team of ESG analysts and corporate governance specialists integrating ESG across geographies and asset classes. During her tenure there, she served as a fund manager on the UK equity team, joining the firm in 1997 as a research analyst covering the financials and utilities sectors. She is also chair of the Investment Association stewardship committee and a board member of the Investor Forum.
Rob Lovelace, vice chair of Capital, said in a prepared statement: “We have a long history of conducting deep fundamental research and engaging closely with portfolio companies on ESG issues… We’re delighted to appoint someone of Jessica’s calibre and experience to work with our teams to further integrate ESG at Capital Group. ESG is an area of great strategic importance for us and our clients, and we will continue to invest resources to it.”
Ground said: “Investors increasingly place ESG considerations as a top priority to inform their investment decisions. I look forward to working alongside the experienced Capital Group team to further integrate ESG factors into the firm’s investment process and deliver services that align with clients’ growing expectations.”
– G.B.
