Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) Announces Appointment of Simon O’Connor as Chief Executive
The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon O’Connor as its new Chief Executive. Mr. O’Connor’s appointment follows Louise O’Halloran stepping down at the end of 2012 after more than a decade leading the growth of responsible investment in Australia.
Mr. O’Connor brings over ten years of international experience from both the financial services and sustainability sectors. His career includes roles as Director and Senior Economist for Economists at Large, Senior Investment Analyst at Innovest (now MSCI), and most recently as Lead Economic Advisor for the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF).
During his time at ACF, Mr. O’Connor played a critical role in leading the debate on issues essential to the development of sustainable financial markets. These issues included the financing of Australia’s low carbon economy, carbon pricing, and forestry and resources.
Pablo Berrutti, Chair of RIAA’s Board of Directors, highlighted that Mr. O’Connor’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of responsible investment.
“We are thrilled that Simon is joining RIAA, and are particularly excited about Simon’s track record in linking civil society and the investment community. Strengthening these connections, as many sustainability leaders in the corporate sector have done, will be critical to ensuring that the investment industry can meet the needs of beneficiaries in the coming decades,” said Mr. Berrutti.
Mr. O’Connor’s practical experience as an analyst and economist is expected to provide unique insights, enabling RIAA to better serve its members, who span the investment value chain across Australia and New Zealand.
Mr. Berrutti added, “RIAA and the RI Academy have an important role to play in building strong networks across our industry, leading debates on issues important to our members, and supporting skills development throughout our region. Simon provides RIAA with the right leadership for the next phase of our development and to support the changing needs of our members.”
About the Responsible Investment Association (RIAA):
The Responsible Investment Association is the peak industry body for institutions and professionals working in responsible investment in Australasia. RIAA’s purpose is to provide training, professional development, events, research, and policy initiatives that promote stable markets, maximize financial returns, and create positive environmental, social, and governance outcomes.
For more information about RIAA, please contact the team at info@responsibleinvestment.org.
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Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) Announces Appointment of Simon O’Connor as Chief Executive
The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon O’Connor as its new Chief Executive. Mr. O’Connor’s appointment follows Louise O’Halloran stepping down at the end of 2012 after more than a decade leading the growth of responsible investment in Australia.
Mr. O’Connor brings over ten years of international experience from both the financial services and sustainability sectors. His career includes roles as Director and Senior Economist for Economists at Large, Senior Investment Analyst at Innovest (now MSCI), and most recently as Lead Economic Advisor for the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF).
During his time at ACF, Mr. O’Connor played a critical role in leading the debate on issues essential to the development of sustainable financial markets. These issues included the financing of Australia’s low carbon economy, carbon pricing, and forestry and resources.
Pablo Berrutti, Chair of RIAA’s Board of Directors, highlighted that Mr. O’Connor’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of responsible investment.
“We are thrilled that Simon is joining RIAA, and are particularly excited about Simon’s track record in linking civil society and the investment community. Strengthening these connections, as many sustainability leaders in the corporate sector have done, will be critical to ensuring that the investment industry can meet the needs of beneficiaries in the coming decades,” said Mr. Berrutti.
Mr. O’Connor’s practical experience as an analyst and economist is expected to provide unique insights, enabling RIAA to better serve its members, who span the investment value chain across Australia and New Zealand.
Mr. Berrutti added, “RIAA and the RI Academy have an important role to play in building strong networks across our industry, leading debates on issues important to our members, and supporting skills development throughout our region. Simon provides RIAA with the right leadership for the next phase of our development and to support the changing needs of our members.”
About the Responsible Investment Association (RIAA):
The Responsible Investment Association is the peak industry body for institutions and professionals working in responsible investment in Australasia. RIAA’s purpose is to provide training, professional development, events, research, and policy initiatives that promote stable markets, maximize financial returns, and create positive environmental, social, and governance outcomes.
For more information about RIAA, please contact the team at info@responsibleinvestment.org.
