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Speakers
As geopolitical risk rises, responsible investors are being asked harder questions about defence, security, dual-use technology and space. Historically, many responsible investment approaches have treated defence primarily through exclusions, particularly controversial weapons. However, emerging debates in Europe, Australia and New Zealand are reframing defence through national resilience, human security, democratic stability, cyber, space infrastructure and supply-chain sovereignty.
This interactive workshop will explore how responsible investors can distinguish between controversial weapons, conventional defence, dual-use technology, space infrastructure and defence-adjacent services. Participants will work through practical case studies and develop decision criteria for portfolio construction, stewardship, disclosure and client communication.
ESG Investment Analyst at Pathfinder
Alex is an environmental scientist with a passion for sustainability and responsible investing. Alex brings experience in the field of climate science and financial services, having worked as a consultant first at Tonkin & Taylor and PwC, and then working in house as an ESG expert at BNZ, ASB and Kernel Wealth. Alex is committed to helping kiwis grow their wealth in a responsible manner that contributes to addressing some of our biggest problems such as climate change.
Head of ESG at Forsyth Barr
Katie has been in the Responsible Investment industry for over 20 years, with the first part of her career spent overseas, predominantly in the UK. After returning to New Zealand in 2015, she spent 6 years with the New Zealand Super Fund and then moved to become the Head of ESG at Forsyth Barr in 2021 where she writes research on how New Zealand companies are transitioning towards a low carbon future and helps clients reflect their values in portfolios. Amongst other things, Katie is currently a member of New Zealand’s inaugural Stewardship Code Governing Committee, a member of the External Reporting Board’s Stakeholder Advisory Panel and is also on the Investment Committee for NZ impact investor, Purpose Capital.
Partner and Portfolio Manager at Koda Capital & Chair of RIAA Board
As a Partner and Portfolio Manager at Koda Capital, Kate works closely with clients to bridge the gap between financial prosperity and personal purpose. By deeply integrating Responsible Investment (RI) principles into wealth management, she helps clients align their capital with their core values while building resilient, long-term portfolios.
Kate’s approach is backed by a nearly 20-year career across the full ecosystem of sustainable finance—spanning legal practice, investment banking, ESG research and data, funds management, and private wealth. Previously, as Global Head of Responsible Investment at First Sentier Group, she led a specialist global team advising investment professionals on applying an RI lens across multiple asset classes.
A recognised leader in governance and industry advocacy, Kate has served on numerous boards and committees, including as Chair of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) and Chair and Founding Member of Investors Against Slavery and Trafficking APAC (IAST APAC), actively driving systemic change on critical issues like climate risk and human rights.
Portfolio Strategist & Sustainable Investment at Mercer New Zealand
Guillaume Dehan is a Senior Associate in Mercer’s Investments business, based in Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau. In his role as Portfolio Strategist for Sustainable Investment, Guillaume leads ESG integration and stewardship initiatives across a multi-asset portfolio. He also serves on the NZ ESG Steering Committee and is an active member of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) and the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC), contributing to collaborative initiatives on sustainable investing and climate transition.
Prior to joining Mercer in April 2023, Guillaume gained 22 years of experience in financial services in Europe and Asia, including working at Amova Asset Management as a director for EMEA covering sovereign wealth funds, public pension funds, supranational agencies. Guillaume also worked at a London based systematic quantitative hedge fund where his range of responsibilities included operations, compliance and business development. More recently he was the founder of a kiwi fintech start up, and social enterprise in New Zealand.
Guillaume holds a Bachelor of International Management (Marketing) from EM Normandie Business School (France), a Bachelor of Art (Honours) from Leeds Business School (UK), and a Master of Technological Futures. He also attained the Investment Management Certificate (CFAUK) and the FINRA Series 3.
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