The move and related hires is an example of how firms of all sizes continue to promote their sustainability credentials.

abrdn, the UK-based group formerly known as Aberdeen Standard Investments and operating in several jurisdictions, has appointed Amanda Young – previously global head of responsible investment – as chief sustainability officer to head a new “sustainability group.”

The group will provide subject matter expertise for abrdn’s investment processes; set frameworks and standards; ensure active ownership, and support product design and commerciality and client reporting and outcomes.

Young will report to abrdn’s CEOs for investments, Chris Demetriou (UK, EMEA and Americas) and Rene Buehlmann (Asia-Pacific).

To support her role, Young has made appointments to the group:

Danielle Welsh-Rose – head of sustainability in APAC and head of sustainability specialists; 
Mike Everett – head of active ownership;
Eva Cairns – head of sustainability insights and climate strategy; and
Dan Grandage – head of sustainable investing. 

Stressing its sustainability credentials, abrdn said that 24 of its SICAV funds have switched to Art 8 under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation.

This includes 18 equity funds, and six fixed income funds. These conversions more than double abrdn’s responsible investing related SICAV assets under management to around €16 billion ($17.6 billion). This is the first phase of several planned conversions that will take place throughout 2022, the firm said.

As previously reported, Richard Charnock, chief executive of the discretionary business at abrdn, is retiring in April.

(This news service has a new programme, its Wealth For Good Awards, designed to highlight the work wealth managers are doing to bring about change to the environment, society and governance. To find out more about the awards, click on this link. Winners, finalists and commended entries will be celebrated in May this year).