Victoria Barron, former head of sustainability at the BT Pension Scheme, London, has joined GIB Asset Management, the U.K. subsidiary of Gulf International Bank, as chief sustainability officer, according to a news release.
GIB Asset Management is a London-based sustainability-led boutique with approximately $5 billion in assets under management.
In her new role, Barron will be expected to lead the firm’s sustainability agenda, enhance sustainability frameworks and governance, and lead key projects aimed at boosting corporate sustainability.
Katherine Garrett-Cox, chief executive of GIB AM, said in the news release: “This is an exciting time for us, as we continue to grow our sustainability footprints in the U.K. and the Middle East. We’re focused on seeking out, investing in and supporting sustainable businesses that share our ambition to shape a better future. Building on our strong foundations, we are delighted to welcome Victoria and look forward to her contributions across all our sustainability initiatives.”
Barron was previously head of sustainable Investment at BTPS, having been in the role since June 2020. Prior to this, she was an ESG and responsible investment analyst at Newton Investment Management.
She also currently co-chairs the Assessing Sovereign Climate-related Opportunities and Risks Project, a tool that looks to aid investors in evaluating countries’ emissions pathways, climate policies and climate-related funding needs.
Barron replaces Venetia Bell, who had been group chief sustainability officer at GIB AM since March 2021, and with the firm since 2018. Bell is now chief operating officer at the Clean Air Fund, a charitable organization focused on tackling global air pollution.
There will not be a direct replacement for Barron at the BT Pension Scheme, Amy Mankelow, head of communications and external relations at Brightwell, the in-house manager for BTPS, told Pensions & Investments. She noted that Brightwell, formerly known as BT Pension Scheme Management, has an integrated approach to sustainability that weighs factors including risk, return, liquidity and sustainability.
"This integrated approach to sustainability is already being implemented through the wider Brightwell investment team," she said. "As such, this is not a role we are looking to replace. We wish Victoria well with her future endeavors."
BTPS had £37.3 billion ($47.1 billion) in assets as of June 30, 2023.
