Peter Epping was named global head of ESG at Hines, a real estate investment manager. The position is new.
Mr. Epping confirmed in an email that he will lead the firm's environmental, social and governance efforts, with a focus on issues pertaining to climate. He will be based in New York and report to David L. Steinbach, global chief investment officer.
Mr. Epping was senior managing director in the Hines European region and fund manager for the Hines Pan-European Core Fund. He will be replaced as HECF's fund manager by Simone Pozzato, deputy fund manager.
The appointment of Mr. Epping is part of Hines looking to increase its ESG efforts. The firm also announced it had formed a new ESG Leadership Council, which includes Adil Noorani, senior vice president and global head of management services; Stephanie Biernbaum, chief people officer; Richard Heaton, chief legal officer; and Clayton Ulrich, senior vice president and global sustainability officer. This council will work to create new initiatives focused on addressing carbon emissions and social equity.
Hines manages about $160.9 billion in assets.
