Stockholm (NordSIP) – Knowledgeable and experienced sustainable investment specialists are in high demand these days as many asset managers are looking to ramp up their ambitions in the field. This week, NordSIP learned of another high-profile sustainability expert switching jobs. On November 22, BNY Mellon Investment Management subsidiary Newton Investment Management announced that they had appointed Therese Niklasson as global head of sustainable investment.
Niklasson joins Newton from a similar position at Ninety One Plc (formerly Investec Asset Management), where she has been leading the asset manager’s ESG and, subsequently, broader sustainability work since 2015. Prior to this, she was head of governance and responsible investment at Threadneedle Investments.
Kristina Najjar Wahlgren, Head of Nordic Distribution at BNY Mellon Investment Management, sounds excited about the new recruit. “Niklasson brings with her deep knowledge and substantial experience both from the international and the Nordic markets,” she says. “I see this as a fantastic prerequisite for ensuring the highest standard of our sustainability work in investment management and our further development in the field. Naturally, it is also great to see a woman in this key role,” she adds.
The new global head of sustainable investment will join Newton in February next year, reporting directly to the CEO, Euan Munro, as a member of the asset manager’s executive committee. “Our global head of sustainable investment is a pivotal role, leading the next stage in our 40-year responsible investment journey to help shape and promote awareness of Newton’s sustainable investment strategies and approach to responsible investment,” comments Munro in the press release. He adds that Niklasson will be instrumental in driving Newton’s vision and the continued development of the asset manager’s sustainable investment franchise.
At Newton, Niklasson will be replacing Andrew Parry, who left earlier this year, to join JO Hambro Capital Management. In her new role, she will be driving Newton’s strategic plan for responsible and sustainable investment globally. She will lead a team of 19 specialists focusing on research, stewardship, data and product advocacy. The expectations are running high, yet given her stellar background in the sustainability field, Niklasson is perfectly positioned to shoulder this new heavy responsibility.
