Alexander takes chair at UKSIF

The UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) has welcomed Lesley Alexander as its new chair.

Lesley, ceo of HSBC Bank Pension Trust (UK) Limited, will replace Martin Clarke who is stepping down as UKSIF chair after he finishes his second two-year term in the role.?

Alexander said: “Coming from an asset owner background, I see real value in pension funds and corporate sponsors working together on sustainable and responsible investment (SRI). With companies increasingly aiming to build strong sustainable businesses, there is a natural alignment of interest with pension schemes which look to provide long-term sustainable pensions for their members. The increasing recognition of global “mega-risks” such as climate change and resource depletion mean that sustainable investment must move up the agenda of everyone involved in pensions- trustees, administrators and sponsors offering both DB or DC schemes. I would encourage everyone involved to collaborate in developing environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies that influence investment strategy, fund manager behaviour and ultimately performance.”
“This approach to investment is now becoming evident in many areas and we need to boost it. It is also evident in the retail area and we need to work with stakeholders there too to spread adoption.”

Simon Howard, chief executive of UKSIF said: “The team is delighted to welcome Lesley Alexander as our new chair. Lesley offers extremely valuable professional experience from right across institutional investment value chain. This complements thestrong body of knowledge and experience in retail already present on the Board and elsewhere in UKSIF. This is an exciting time for UKSIF as we look to build on our progress and achievements during Martin Clarke’s four years as chair.”