Hiromichi Mizuno, former CIO at the world's largest pension fund, was named a special adviser to MSCI CEO Henry Fernandez.
Effective Tuesday, he provides the firm with strategic counsel, thought leadership and industry engagement, a news release said.
MSCI cited Mr. Mizuno's recognition as a pioneer in the world of sustainable investment. The release said he is particularly known for his impact and active efforts in advocating for and addressing climate change and gender diversity through investment processes.
Mr. Mizuno is best-known in the investment industry as the former CIO and executive managing director of the roughly $1.4 trillion Government Pension Investment Fund, Tokyo.
He completed a five-year term as CIO at GPIF in 2020 and was succeeded by Eiji Ueda.
"His unparalleled investment experience and his leadership in integrating sustainability considerations into the investment process will undoubtedly enhance our own expertise and capabilities as we continue to build innovative solutions and research cutting-edge investment issues for our clients worldwide," Mr. Fernandez, who is also chairman of MSCI, said in the release.
Mr. Mizuno added in the same release: "It is a privilege to join forces with MSCI at this transformative and challenging time for the investment industry. MSCI's dedication to enabling sustainable investing aligns perfectly with my own values, and MSCI's leadership in providing critical risk management tools for climate and ESG risks can help facilitate proper capital allocation."
He is a mission committee member of food company Danone, director of the board of electric motorcycle firm LiveWire Group, and is a CFA Institute research and policy adviser council member. He was also on the board of Tesla.
MSCI could not immediately be reached for comment.
