The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) has selected Kate Turner, Global Head of Responsible Investment (RI) at global asset manager First Sentier Investors, as its new Chair. She replaces Ross Piper, who has stepped down after seven years in the role. RIAA said that Turner brings a strong legal background with deep expertise in global sustainable finance from her time at First Sentier. She has spent five and a half years in RI-focused roles at the firm, including two and a half years in her current position. Turner was also an associate director at Sustainalytics, the ESG research unit of data, analytics and indexes provider Morningstar, for three and a half years. “Kate’s commitment to advancing RI practices is seen in her role as Chair of Investors Against Slavery and Trafficking APAC and her membership of the Advisory Group of the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative,” said RIAA. Under the leadership of outgoing chair Piper, RIAA has looked to advance RI across Australasia. This has included RIAA’s ongoing work on standards, certification, policy, advocacy and leading practice. “With shifting political, social and investment market dynamics, RIAA’s mission to align capital with a healthier society, environment and economy has never been more important,” said Piper. “It has been a privilege to serve on the RIAA Board over the past seven years, and to contribute to RIAA’s catalytic work in the growth and maturation of responsible investment.”
