Columbia Threadneedle Investments has appointed Chris Anker to the new role of senior analyst within its responsible investment team.
Based in London, Anker’s (pictured) role will be integral to Columbia Threadneedle Investments’ responsible investment capability, focused on environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis and engagement, including for the firm’s range of responsible investment funds.
Anker reports to Iain Richards, head of responsible investment.
Anker has over eight years of experience in ESG analysis, predominantly working for asset owners, including RPMI Railpen (the pension fund for the UK rail industry), and the Church of England where he supported the Church’s Ethical Investment Advisory Group. He is also the current chair of the UKSIF (UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association) Analyst Committee and is a member of the UKSIF Leadership Committee. His early career was in intellectual property law.
Richards says: “We are continuing to grow our well-established Responsible Investment team with Chris’s appointment. He brings extensive experience of ESG analysis and engagement, particularly on behalf of asset owners and is a valuable addition to the team. Columbia Threadneedle Investments has long considered responsible investment as an integral part of our approach and stewardship responsibilities. Chris’s experience will enhance the work we do to promote and protect our clients’ long-term investment interests.”
Columbia Threadneedle Investments’ responsible investment team has grown to 11, including specialist analysts, fund managers and its proxy voting team. Alongside its broader contribution to research, the team has a particular role in overseeing USD30.5 billion in responsible investment mandates managed for clients across the globe.