Quilter Investors has hired former-United Nations head of asset owners Marisol Hernandez as its head of responsible investment.
Hernandez enters the role with over 15 years experience in responsible investing, having worked for institutional investors, consultancy firms and the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment as a responsible investment adviser and alternative investments consultant.
As head of asset owners at UNPRI, Hernandez oversaw the development of programs for investment managers and passive investments.
She was also responsible for developing the first industry standard responsible investment due diligence questionnaire and guide for hedge funds, helping with the implementation of responsible investment across the hedge fund industry.
Hernandez will report into chief investment officer at Quilter Investors, Marcus Brookes, and will be responsible for the development and implementation of Quilter Investors' responsible investment policies and activities.
Commenting on Hernandez's appointment, Brookes said the firm recognises the work that needs to be done in the area.
“We have come a long way in a short space of time in implementing responsible investment and are proud of the products and services we have in place for advisers,” he said.
“However, we recognise that there is more to be done and that we cannot rest on our laurels. I look forward to working closely with Marisol to develop our offering further and ensure responsible investment is one of our core pillars of Quilter Investors.”
Hernandez added that the surge in popularity of responsible investing in recent years has brought with it challenges that need to be addressed.
“There can still be a lot of confusion on terminology and approaches and as such it has become crucial to be clear and precise in what it is we want to achieve in this space, where people, profits and planet can coexist.
“Quilter Investors has the ambition and drive to make responsible investment a success and make it part of the fabric of financial advice and I am excited to be part of this journey,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez replaces former head of responsible investment Eimear Toomey, who left the business earlier this year.
jane.matthews@ft.com
