James Lawrence was named head of investment proposition at multiemployer defined contribution plan Smart Pension Master Trust, a spokeswoman confirmed.
It is a new position. Effective July 26, Mr. Lawrence will develop and lead investment strategy for the master trust, including delivering the plan's pledge to cut carbon emissions by half by 2030, in an effort to have carbon-free portfolios by 2050.
Mr. Lawrence's "wealth of experience, particularly in devising and implementing ESG investment strategies, will be particularly valuable to us. James' appointment reinforces our commitment to this area of our business, and we will continue to expand the investment team," said Paul Bucksey, managing director at the master trust, in a news release Thursday.
Mr. Lawrence was investment strategist for the U.K. DC delegated investment business at Mercer. A spokesman could not be reached to provide details about his replacement.
Smart Pension Master Trust has £1.8 billion ($2.5 billion) in assets.
