Mercer Investment Consulting has further recognised the growth in the demand for socially responsible investments by creating a new senior consulting role to lead its responsible investment (RI) business across the Asia Pacific.
Mercer has appointed Helga Birgden, the manager of governance and sustainable investment at the $20 billion UniSuper fund, to the new role. Simon Eagleton, Mercer principal, said there was an obvious client demand for advice on issues related to socially responsible investing. He said: “We need to be ahead of the curve on this. Our clients come to us because they expect us to be experts. “These [RI] areas bring a new dimension of risk. We have hired someone with a deep technical knowledge of all of the risks associated with RI.” Mercer was the first asset consultant to establish a committed global RI offering and has been recognised in the industry as a forerunner in the field. Birgden’s appointment brings the group of dedicated RI professionals globally to 10.
The $355 billion AustralianSuper has acquired a $1.4 billion European industrial and logistics portfolio, owned by OMERS real estate subsidiary Oxford Properties. The nation’s biggest fund is targeting a $7.5 billion valuation for the venture and $35 billion allocation in European and UK region before 2030, supported by its biggest international office in London with 121 employees.
Darcy SongJanuary 14, 2025
