Rowaa Ahmar

PROPOSER – Catalina Secreteanu, Morningstar Sustainalytics

SECONDER – Richard Folland, Carbon Tracker Initiative

I am a career civil servant and a policy leader. I worked in the UK government for 12 years including in Ofgem (the UK energy regulator), DEFRA, HM Treasury and was a chief of staff at COP26 summit.

I was the head of local economic shocks at the Treasury during the interplay between Covid and Brexit and prepared advise to the Prime Minister about the impact of a No Deal Brexit on investment and jobs in the UK. I was head of bank of England Oversight at HM Treasury and also head of Treasury’s financial framework of the UK Infrastructure Bank.

I have been in the corporate energy world since 2022 working in public policy and government affairs and was elected as a board director to the Carbon Capture Storage Association where I help members engage with the government to help achieve Net Zero commitments and secure investor confidence in the UK market.

I also worked with “hard to decarbonise” sectors to ensure an ordinary transition to Net Zero. I am seasoned in Net Zero policies and the regulatory framework in the UK and the US.

I am a confident and inclusive leader and have enjoyed building teams and translating strategic priorities into well-defined objectives. I led teams through economic and political crises while creating positive and collaborative environments. I have extensive experience of working with senior government officials and ministers, regulators and international organisations. I have experience in operational delivery, policy development from an idea all the way to legislation and advising ministers on policy options and legal risks, press office and strategy.

I recently studied ESG and sustainable business at Cambridge University.

I would be delighted to be a board member at UKSIF to help achieve its sustainable investment strategy and influence government policy in a way that works for its members, big or small as we transition to Net Zero and secure green investments.

Eva Cairns

PROPOSER – Kevin Dorran, Scottish Widows

SECONDER – Adam Matthews, Church of England Pensions Board

I am the Head of Responsible Investments and Stewardship at Scottish Widows, one of the UK’s largest asset owners with £181bn of AUM (as at Dec 2023) and ambitious net zero 2050 goals. Before joining Scottish Widows, I spent 14 years at abrdn as Head of Climate Strategy and Sustainability Research and was actively involved in policy research and engagement, for example through the annual climate COPs. I am very passionate about sustainable finance to help shape a better world to retire into and address systemic ESG risks that impact investment portfolios – including climate change, nature degradation and social inequality. The right policy incentives are key to mobilising private finance and addressing these issues, which is at the heart of UKSIF’s mission. That’s why I would love to join the UKSIF Board. I am keen to help drive sustainable finance priorities through industry collaboration and bring my experience to the table: shaping responsible investing strategies, a strong external network and a deep understanding of sustainability issues. I have been vocal about the importance of policy to enable capital allocation for net zero and am eager to strengthen the sustainable finance agenda in the UK and globally through collective action.

Leanne Clements

PROPOSER – Faith Ward, Brunel Pension Partnership

SECONDER – Sarah Wilson, Minerva Analytics

We have reached a crossroads moment in our industry, notably with respect to the stewardship proposition. I welcome the challenge, because with it, can come honest reflection and constructive dialogue, necessary ingredients to develop robust solutions to complex challenges. Asset owner representation and voice has always been important, as they put the ultimate beneficiaries at the heart of what they do. However, given the complicated landscape we now find ourselves both here and abroad, now is the time more than ever for asset owners to take coordinated action to address the key systemic barriers to effective stewardship that are impeding their ability to protect beneficiaries’ best interests.   Membership organisations can play an important role in achieving this, which is why I have decided to put forth my candidacy for UKSIF’s Board.

I am a strategic leader with 14 years experience in responsible investment with a strong asset owner focus. I am a driver of change with a strong moral compass, who is not afraid to challenge status quo views. I will ensure that the asset owner voice is represented on UKSIF’s Board. I welcome you to read my recent Responsible Investor article here: Comment: What next for stewardship? Reflections of an asset owner generalist (responsible-investor.com)

Teni Ekundare

PROPOSER – Sofía Condés, FAIRR

SECONDER – Peter Webster, EIRIS Foundation

The membership and influence of UKSIF has grown rapidly over the last few years. From my perspective, next steps should be a focus on maintaining steady growth, while also extending impact by deepening collaborations across members, regulators and other SIFs. And of course, there is the need to address the vital issue of how best to fund this expansion.

My 20+ years in financial services started in investment banking and has ranged from fundamental analysis to ESG engagement, from working with institutional investors to retail investors and from working in the NGO space to asset management. I have led not just on increasing membership at initiatives, but – crucially – on developing strategies to actively engage and galvanise members to do more. Cognitive diversity is something that I’m very passionate about and that I am able to bring into many spaces given my career history.

I currently manage the global engagement program at Columbia Threadneedle Investments. In addition, my years spent at FAIRR means that, should I be elected, I have an array of experience in sustainability – both in the private sector and working through public policy – to bring to the Board in supporting the delivery of UKSIF’s mission.

Carlota Esguevillas

PROPOSER – Julian Parrott, Ethical Futures LLP

SECONDER – Jessica Henry, Man Group plc

As Head of Responsible Investment at EdenTree Investment Management, a firm at the forefront of sustainable investment since 1988, I am passionate about the role investors can play in driving societal change by delivering truly sustainable investment solutions.

I’ve spent my whole career working in sustainability – initially advising companies on their sustainability strategies, and more recently at EdenTree leading our work on responsible investment.  This involves setting the firms RI policy and strategy, leading a team of sustainability specialists with a frontline position in the investment process, managing our stewardship activity, and overseeing engagement with the firm’s advisory panel.

My role has given me a deep understanding of the complex issues facing the sustainable finance industry, and the essential role of collaboration and organisations like UKSIF in furthering the growth and development of the industry.

We are at a crucial moment for sustainable investment, with a proliferation of new rules and regulations, set-backs in some markets, and an ever-evolving policy agenda. Against this backdrop, the role of UKSIF is more important than ever, and I’d relish the opportunity to collaborate more closely with members and the UKSIF team to advocate for sustainable finance in the UK.

Richard Giles

PROPOSER – Claire Jones, LCP

SECONDER – Roger Lewis, Downing LLP

I will be able to help UKSIF through my deep knowledge and large network amongst the UK pension industry which is in aggregate a £3trn asset owner. I believe my knowledge of this sector will complement other Board members skills and add value.

I am currently a pension trustee with two large schemes the United Utilities Pension Scheme and the UU section of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme. I have advised many UK schemes on investment and funding over a 30 year career.

I currently work 2 days a week for Pension For Purpose. Our mission is to help accelerate knowledge and understanding of sustainable investing for UK pension schemes. There is a strong alignment of purpose and knowledge with UKSIF and indeed I have, in this capacity, worked with UKSIF.

My network is extensive and includes professional trustees, LGPS, DC Mastertrusts, investment consultants and fund managers. Through my work with Pension For Purpose I have worked closely with those developing sustainable investments and activities such as stewardship and policy advocacy.

I am an experienced Board member with a good understanding of governance, risk management and strategy and how to support the Executive team.

Jamie Govan

PROPOSER – Catalina Secreteanu, Morningstar Sustainalytics

SECONDER – Euan Ker, Aegon Asset Management

I have worked in the Sustainable Investing space since 2007 and during that time have been an advocate for the extensive work that UKSIF undertake and the resources and events that they deliver.

I spent the first 15 years of my career with a global asset manager working across the full spectrum of sustainable investing. The first half of this period was spent in a Global Equities Investment team where I conducted ESG analysis and engagement with companies across all regions and sectors as well as supporting more generally across portfolio management duties and a focus on the Ethical and Sustainable fund range.

A move to a centralised team paved a way for driving ESG integration; product development; data procurement and oversight; and regulatory, reporting and policy work.

This year I joined a niche consultancy business that are utilising their expertise to help companies navigate the increasingly complex sustainability regulatory space. Consequently, I feel I am well positioned to offer independent insight and constructive challenge from across the industry.

I would be honoured to represent the UKSIF membership in capacity as a Board member and grateful if you would consider me for your vote.

Anastasia Guha

PROPOSER – Sarah Santhosham, The Scott Trust Endowment Ltd

SECONDER – Owen Thorne, Merseyside Pension Fund

I am honoured to present my candidacy for the board election at UKSIF. I am currently Global Head of Sustainable Investment at Redington, a UK based investment consultant with over £600 billion in assets under advisory. In my role I, alongside my team of seven and the wider firm, work with Trustee’s, investment committees and boards to decide their sustainable investment strategy, allocations and help them hire, fire and monitor their investment managers.

I joined Redington three years ago from a decade at the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI), which is a similar, membership-based organisation. My tenure there has equipped me with a strong understanding of the challenges that UKSIF might face from talent retention to funding and business strategy. Asset owners in the UK are bombarded by both specialist and generalist sustainable trade bodies and interest groups – how does UKSIF stand out and add value to this advanced market?

If I were lucky enough to be elected, I will leverage my experience to contribute to UKSIF’s strategic direction focussing particularly to adding value to asset owners.

Dr Hans-Christoph Hirt

PROPOSER – Faith Ward, Brunel Pensions Partnership

SECONDER – Kimberley Lewis, Schroders

I have 20 years of experience in asset management, specializing in sustainable investing and company engagement, following my qualification as a solicitor. As a Managing Director at UBS AM, I am evolving the SDG and climate impact strategies. Previously, I led and grew EOS, the stewardship services business at Federated Hermes.

I bring over 10 years of board experience, including as a member-nominated trustee of a UK pension fund. My roles at EOS and as a pension trustee provided me with valuable insights into the asset owners’ perspective on sustainable investment and a deep understanding of investment chain challenges.

Throughout my career, I have contributed to the development of policy and regulation in sustainable investment, publishing extensively in this field, including a co-edited book. My experience also includes global regulator engagement and serving on the FCA’s Listing Authority Advisory Panel.

Motivation

Sustainable investment has significant limitations without supportive policy and regulation. High-quality policy engagement is crucial for advancing it. The UKSIF is uniquely positioned to lead this work and drive systems-level change and frameworks supportive of decarbonization and other sustainability transitions. I am very keen and would be honoured to contribute to UKSIF’s important activities and advance its mission.

Nadia Humphreys

PROPOSER – Jessica Henry, Man Group plc

SECONDER – Sonali Siriwardena, Simmons & Simmons

It is an honour to be considered for a position on the UKSIF board. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, currently as Global Head of Sustainable Finance Data Solutions at Bloomberg, I have been at the forefront of developing and implementing sustainable finance policies that align with the evolving needs of global investors and regulators. My work has involved UK government advisory in GTAG, EC Platform membership, MAS GFIT and Australian TTEG.

I bring a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with embedding sustainability into financial markets. My experience spans across product innovation and policy-maker engagement, which positions me well to contribute meaningfully to UKSIF’s mission. I am keen to advance responsible investment practices in the UK,and believe that collaboration is vital to accelerating the transition to a more sustainable future.

If elected, I will leverage my expertise and network to support UKSIF in its strategic objectives and promote the adoption of industry best practices. I am committed to helping shape the future of responsible investment, ensuring that UKSIF continues to be a leading global voice in sustainable finance.

I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the important work of UKSIF.

Arun Kelshiker

PROPOSER – Darshita Gillies, Maanch

SECONDER – John Pepin, Philanthropy Impact

• • Extensive Experience: Over 20 years in asset management, banking, ESG investments, and academia.
  • Leadership Roles: Former Head of Asset Allocation and Portfolio Strategy at Standard Chartered Bank; Senior Portfolio Manager / Country Chief Investment Officer at Allianz Global Investors / Allianz Group.

Sustainable Finance:

• • Collaborative Efforts: Working with stakeholders e.g. University of Cambridge, EBRD on sustainable investing.
  • Board Involvement: Board Member at Philanthropy Impact.
  • CFA UK Leadership: Vice-chair CFA UK’s Investment Committee, managing the Society’s investment portfolio.
  • Advisory Roles: Advisor to two ESG fintech companies: OWL ESG (data provider) and BlueOnion (ESG fund analytics)
  • University Lecturer Sustainable Finance, ESG, Risk Management, Impact Investing: Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and Adjunct Fellow & Masters lecturer Singapore University of Technology & Design Academy
  • Expert Contributions: Expert: Sustainable Finance for Finance Unlocked
  • CFA Involvement: Over 18 years with CFA, roles as board member of CFA Society; CFA UK: Vice Chair DEI Committee & former member of Pension Expert Panel.
  • DEI Involvement: Asset Owner Diversity Charter, Diversity Project, Reboot Ambassador
  • Commitment: Driving systems-based thinking and sustainable finance for the benefit of all.

Dee Korab

PROPOSER – Emma Lower, Lendology

SECONDER – Jon Dennis, Finance Innovation Lab

Ever tried to turn an oil tanker? In sustainable investment and finance, it often feels like that’s exactly what we’re doing. However, oil tankers can turn quickly when pressure is applied in the right place. This is what UKSIF can achieve in our industry.

As a sustainable finance consultant with over a decade in global banking at HSBC, NAB, and ANZ, I bring practical expertise and innovative thinking to UKSIF’s mission. My career has focused on advancing capital to the real economy, now enabling me to mobilise finance for net zero.

My cross-sector experience spanning banks, think tanks, non-profits, fintech, service providers, and government bodies positions me to help UKSIF expand its reach. I’m eager to contribute to policy work and act as a bridge between stakeholders, fostering collaboration across the sector.

As an independent board member, I can offer an unbiased perspective to benefit UKSIF and its members. I’m committed to fostering connections and collaborations that maximise our collective impact.

Individual organisations pushing alone might barely make a dent, but coordinated efforts can create powerful change. I’m genuinely excited to connect with you, would be honoured to serve on the UKSIF Board and greatly appreciate your vote.

Sandy MacDonald

PROPOSER – Kay Smith, Scottish National Investment Bank

SECONDER – Danyal Sattar, Big Issue Invest

I’m delighted to stand for election to join UKSIF’s Board. UKSIF are keen to attract applications from areas of the membership not currently well-represented, and with experience in influencing, communications and strategy. This is me..!

I’m Executive Director for Impact at the Scottish National Investment Bank, a mission-led impact investor owned by, but independent of, Scottish Government. Before this, I was Director of Public Policy and Communications at Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE), a membership body like UKSIF, where I led our engagement with the media and Governments. Before that, I was Global Head of Sustainability at Standard Life plc, responsible for sustainability strategy, delivery and reporting across asset owner, manager, and operational and community impacts.

I am a trustee of Turn2Us, the UK financial inclusion charity, and I chair the independent nominations committee of National Trust for Scotland.

I’m passionate about the role finance plays in enabling society to tackle its greatest challenges while making a positive difference in people’s lives. As a Board member, I would use all my experience, skills and network to help the team grow membership, develop our reach and influence, and – ultimately – deliver against our strategy on behalf of members.

David Russell

PROPOSER – Maria Nazarova-Doyle, IFM Investors

SECONDER – Faith Ward, Brunel Pensions Partnership

I believe that asset owners and managers in the UK are not well represented by their formal representative bodies, which appear to be too conflicted, too lowest common denominator.  Support for retrogressive changes to the Corporate Governance Code is an example of this.

UK investors need to have a strong and aligned voice on sustainable investment issues to be able to engage effectively with policy makers and other stakeholders. This means asset owners and managers, service providers and others working together, and I believe that UKSIF provides the best platform for this.

I have a background as an asset owner (20+ years at USS), asset manager (USS was an in-house manager) and now working for a small transition data provider (as TPI Chair).  This latter role gives me hands on small company management experience, and I have experience in supporting the growth of sustainable investment organisations including the IIGCC (which I helped found and was latterly an advisor to the Board), and the UNPRI as a Board member.

I believe I have the knowledge and experience to support UKSIF and its members in delivering their mission and I hope I can count on your support in the Board election.

Conor Savage

PROPOSER – Nitika Agarwal, WWF UK

SECONDER – Coretta Granberry, Zoological Society of London

I am an ESG Programme Manager at Sainsbury’s, where I am responsible for the development and delivery of Sainsbury’s Bank’s ESG strategy, and have an academic background in Marine Biology, specialising in the impact of climate change on the Arctic.

I have valuable experience in ESG activity within the finance sector, covering the key topics of climate change, human rights, and nature – the latter of which has been augmented by my passion for the natural sciences. I volunteer with numerous organisations focused on the polar regions and oceans, including (but not limited to) the UN Ocean Decade via the ECOP Programme, IMarEST, the UK Polar Network, the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists, and the Marine Biological Association. This has been possible due to my strong networking skills – often being the only voice from finance in the room, explaining how it can be a force for good – with these roles taking me up into the Arctic and partaking in international conferences shaping the future of our natural world.

If I were to join the UKSIF Board, I’d contribute a unique perspective, whilst strengthening representation for Early Career voices within its member organisations.

Thank you for reading – I’d appreciate your vote.

Catalina Secreteanu

PROPOSER – Sonali Siriwardena, Simmons & Simmons

SECONDER – Louise Dudley, Federated Hermes

As an individual who has spent their working life in sustainability, with a deep personal interest in enabling investors to make a positive impact through the deployment of capital towards a climate-positive and inclusive economy, I value the opportunity to apply for a second mandate on the Board.

If re-elected, I will focus on:

• • • Continuing to act as an ambassador for UKSIF with investors and other key industry stakeholders
    • Ensuring that UKSIF’s work is grounded in best practices to help the organisation and its members to advance their efforts to integrate sustainability across strategies
    • Providing strategic oversight and contributing to UKSIF’s leadership in sustainable finance and the transition to a low carbon economy

     

Neville Vyas

PROPOSER – Mark Campanale, Carbon Tracker Initiative

SECONDER – Catalina Secreteanu, Morningstar Sustainalytics

With over 30 years of experience of media, marketing and stakeholder influencing, I believe I have the skills to complement the Board.

My personal values have long been aligned with the UKSIF’s mission. I joined Impax five years ago for this very reason – the desire for a fair, inclusive and sustainable financial system that works for the benefit of society and the environment.

I have experience with leading asset managers: Allianz Global Investors, Fidelity, AXA Framlington and Impax.  I was also the head of marketing for PwC’s Assurance & Audit business in the UK. I am known for my innovation and outside the box thinking.  I have implemented several award-winning digital and social media initiatives through my work leading marketing & communications teams for both large and small organizations. I have planned and delivered marketing campaigns to UK and international audiences across multiple client segments including policy makers, regulators, asset owners, research providers and consultants.

My personal network is extensive (>18k LinkedIn contacts) and reaches across the policy, asset owner, and regulatory communities through the UK and beyond.

I am on the Advisory Board of a Fin Tech business and act as adviser to several thought leadership publishers.