Sustainable and Responsible Investment Appointments: Q2 2025

The 2025 BNP Paribas biennial ESG survey highlights institutional investors’ continued commitment to sustainable investing.

Perhaps not surprisingly in the context of the current political and economic landscape, investors are prioritizing thematic investments that go beyond broad ESG strategies to achieve both financial returns and measurable impact. The energy transition remains a dominant theme, driving opportunities in investment-grade issuers aligned with decarbonization goals. This focus emphasizes issuers with strong fundamentals in sectors like utilities and industrials, where capital investments in renewable energy and infrastructure create long-term value while supporting net-zero objectives.

Despite a hiring slowdown in sustainable investing roles since 2022, recent senior-level appointments in the space signal renewed momentum.

SSGA has hired Hannah Shoesmith as Managing Director, Head of Sustainability Stewardship. She joins from Schroders, where she was Head of Engagement, and previously held the role of Director of Engagement at Hermes Investment Management.

Northern Trust Asset Management has named Pedro Guazo as head of international and responsible investing, starting in August. He will oversee the firm’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, as well as its US$189 billion global responsible investing platform.

Edmond de Rothschild appointed Eric de Tessières as group chief sustainability officer, reporting to deputy CEO Cynthia Tobiano. He brings nearly 20 years of banking and sustainable investing experience, previously serving as COO of the Sustainability Center and head of solidarity investments at BNP Paribas Asset Management.

Japan’s Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) has appointed Hitoshi Hirokawa as the new head of ESG and stewardship, following the resignation of Kenji Shiomura, who is stepping down after nearly a decade of service.