Sandra Carlisle was named head of responsible investment at Universities Superannuation Scheme Investment Management, the main manager and adviser to the £75.5 billion ($93.4 billion) USS, London.
Carlisle will join on Jan. 2 and replaces David Russell, who left the pension fund after 22 years in June, a spokesperson confirmed. She will report to Simon Pilcher, CEO at USSIM, and will join the executive committee.
"I'm delighted that we've been able to appoint someone of Sandra's caliber," Pilcher said in a news release. "She will be central to USS being a leader in responsible investment and will help us meet the long-term needs of the scheme for our members. As a universal owner, USS will be impacted by large systemic risks presented by issues such as climate change and loss of biodiversity, and we need to engage with business, governments and regulators to minimize the financial impact these might have on our investments. Sandra's work in this area will form a vital part of how we operate."
Carlisle was head of sustainability at Jupiter Asset Management. It is understood that Jupiter will not be replacing Carlisle, and that the firm is committed to developing the talent pipeline and career progression from inside the firm.
A Jupiter spokesperson said sustainability is a "core focus" for the firm, with ESG factors integral to its investment approach. Jayesh Shah joined the firm in the first quarter of 2022, soon after Carlisle was appointed to the firm, as corporate sustainability manager. He now reports to Minesh Patel, chief strategy and transformation officer. Shah worked closely with Carlisle on building the firm's corporate sustainability function, the spokesperson added.
