Stockholm (NordSIP) – “Active Ownership is becoming a more important part of Danske Bank’s responsible investment strategy to both protect the value and address the principal adverse impacts of our investments,” shared Oshni Arachchi, the bank’s Head of Active Ownership, in a NordSIP interview a few months ago. As Arachchi is soon heading for her parental leave, a new ESG advocate will have to shoulder this important role during her absence.
As it turns out, Danske didn’t need to look far to find a worthy replacement. “I’m thrilled to share that I have accepted a new position as Interim Head of Active Ownership within the Responsible Investment team at Danske Bank,” announced her colleague Mads Steinmüller in a LinkedIn post this week.
Steinmüller, who has a background as a credit analyst and investment advisor, joined Danske in 2019. The young economist was previously Chief ESG Specialist, supporting Danica Pension and Danske Bank’s work on responsible investments.
“Today is my first day in the new role, and I can’t wait to strengthen our active ownership efforts even further together with the team,” shares Steinmüller. “To enhance and protect the value of our customers’ investments as well as contribute to the positive development of society, we will continue to push companies in a sustainable direction and help them adapt to a changing world. I especially look forward to getting started on the Net Zero and biodiversity commitments of both Danske Bank and Danica Pension – great things ahead!” he exclaims.
“I am proud to be part of the sustainable journey that both Danica Pension and Danske Bank are on in terms of investing responsibly,” writes Steinmüller in another LinkedIn post (in Danish). “There is strong support from both management and colleagues, who all want us in the financial industry to take responsibility and use our financial muscle to move society in a more sustainable direction. It is hugely interesting and challenging to balance the need for making returns and making a difference in sustainability. In just a few years, we have gone from responsibility being a hygiene factor to being at the forefront of the agenda that helps shape how we in Denmark and the Nordics approach responsible investment,” concludes Steinmüller.
