The company announced recently that Colleen Denzler, CFA, is now the head of ESG at Loomis, Sayles & Company. Colleen will report to David Waldman, the chief investment officer. She is based in Boston.

Colleen, who has extensive ESG, investment, and leadership experience, will lead the firm's already well-established ESG initiatives, support sustainability efforts as part of Loomis Sayles' governance, ensure investment teams have access to ESG data and research and assist in providing solutions for clients' growing ESG needs.

Colleen will head the firm's existing ESG committee structure, providing strategic support to Loomis Sayles' investment teams, internal education, and thought leadership on material sustainability problems.

Kevin Charleston, chief executive officer, said:

"Prioritizing ESG and sustainability – which meaningfully impact the global economy, the financial markets and society at large – is a matter of fiduciary responsibility and good stewardship of clients’ capital. We are fortunate to have a professional of Colleen’s calibre guiding the next phase of the firm’s commitment to integrating ESG considerations into our investment processes as we seek to create long-term value for our clients.”

David Waldman, chief investment officer, said:

"Good governance and sustainable business practices are inherent factors in our decision-making as long-term investors who seek to deliver superior long-term, risk-adjusted returns to our clients. Colleen’s extensive background will be an asset as we strive to leverage ESG insights and data in our investment processes and to design products consistent with clients’ ESG objectives.”

Colleen has held several investing and ESG leadership roles during her 35 years in asset management. She began her career as an ESG portfolio manager and analyst at Calvert Asset Management, a pioneer in responsible investing.

Colleen went on to become the Global Head of Fixed Income Strategy at Janus Henderson and a senior portfolio manager and the Head of Money Markets at American Century Investments.

She then became President of First Affirmative Financial Network's industry-leading SRI Conference and Chief Investing Officer of First Affirmative Financial Network, a sustainable investment-focused RIA.

Colleen later used her experience as a strategic advisor to asset managers on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainable investing. She most recently headed Smith Capital Investors' ESG integration initiatives.

In 2015, Loomis Sayles became a signatory to the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) project and the UK Stewardship Code.

Source: acrofan

Article: Steps for earning an ESG certificate