Mercer adds head of sustainability

Hot on the heels of ANZ appointing a head of responsible investing Mercer adds a head of sustainable investments.

Wednesday, March 23rd 2022, 7:55AM

The newly-created role of sustainable investments specialist is being filled by not-for-profit sector veteran Mark Longbottom.

Longbottom was most recently the head of corporate social responsibility at Southern Cross. He has more than 20 years experience in working with purpose-driven organisations across New Zealand and the United Kingdom in a range of leadership roles.

Mercer NZ chief executive Martin Lewington says Longbottom’s extensive knowledge of the market would complement the deep expertise of Mercer’s global and regional sustainable investment consulting team.

“Mark’s experience in the not-for-profit sector is second to none. He has a strong understanding of the ESG needs of organisations, particularly among foundations, universities and iwi,” Lewington said.

“It’s clear that investing sustainably is more important than ever among institutional and retail investors, particularly socially responsible global equities."

He says Mercer can build on its capability and capacity to help local clients reach their investment goals.

Longbottom said the demand for sustainable investing expertise in New Zealand would continue to rise.

“Investors are under more pressure and scrutiny to play their part in addressing the global systemic issues that are playing out at the expense of the environment and communities far and wide. This is no truer than for New Zealand’s investors, in a market where societal expectations are among the highest in the world when it comes to sustainability,” he said.

Tags: ANZ Mercer