Janus Henderson has looked to Aviva for its latest hire, appointing Paul LaCoursiere to lead its environmental, social and governance investing policy.
The fund house announced today (November 3) it had created the role of global head of ESG investments and hired Mr LaCoursiere to lead the team.
Mr LaCoursiere joins from rival asset manager Aviva Investors, where he was most recently global head of ESG research after numerous years as a portfolio manager and fixed income strategist at fund houses such as Barclays Global Investors and Munder Capital Management.
Mr LaCoursiere, who will join Janus Henderson from January 6, 2021, will report to global chief investment officer, Enrique Chang.
ESG investing has boomed in popularity in recent years as fears over climate change have led investors to consider the impact of their money and as a growing number of millennials have begun investing.
Recent data from Morningstar showed global assets in sustainable funds hit £930bn in the third quarter of 2020, a record high, after investors pumped £62bn into such funds in the three months to September.
Mr Chang said: “We believe there is a correlation between the evaluation of ESG factors and identifying companies that will grow and succeed in the future.
“With Paul’s hire, Janus Henderson is demonstrating how seriously we take ESG considerations.
“Paul augments our existing strong capabilities with his experience and leadership skills which will further embed ESG capabilities within our investment philosophies.”
imogen.tew@ft.com
What do you think about the issues raised by this story? Email us on fa.letters@ft.com to let us know.
