Erin Leonard was appointed global head of sustainability at HSBC Asset Management, a spokesman confirmed.
The role is new. Effective immediately, Ms. Leonard leads a newly created sustainability office that is responsible for the firm's sustainability strategy as well as its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
She is based in London and reports to CEO Nicolas Moreau and is a member of the management committee.
"The creation of our sustainability office reflects the strategic importance of sustainability to our business and will enable us to be at the leading edge of this change. I'm confident that under Erin's leadership, we'll be able to take our sustainability proposition to the next level, and open up a world of sustainable investment opportunities," Mr. Moreau said in a news release Wednesday.
Ms. Leonard was interim global head of institutional business. Paul Griffiths was named global head of institutional business in May.
Also, Stuart Kirk was named head of responsible investment effective July 12. He will continue to be based in London.
Mr. Kirk will replace Melissa McDonald, who will pursue an opportunity outside the money management industry at the end of August, the release said.
In an expanded role, Mr. Kirk will lead a team responsible for integrating ESG risks and opportunities across asset classes, as well as the firm's voting policy and engagement initiatives. He will report to Xavier Baraton, global CIO.
Mr. Kirk also retains his responsibilities as global head of research and insights.
HSBC Asset Management had $621 billon in assets under management as of March 31.
