Patrick O'Hara was named director of responsible investment and engagement at LGPS Central, the £45 billion ($59.3 billion) pool of U.K. local authority pension funds said Friday.
Mr. O'Hara, who could start as early as December, will lead the responsible investment team as well as further enhance investment and portfolio monitoring processes.
Mr. O'Hara will replace Michael Marshall, who left the pool earlier this year, a spokesman said. Mr. Marshall was named head of sustainable ownership at RPMI Railpen, which manages the assets of the £30 billion Railways Pension Scheme, London.
"We believe the integration of responsible investment factors, particularly those related to climate, into our investment process both supports long-term returns and is the right thing to do," Mike Weston, CEO of LGPS Central said in a news release. "We're really pleased that Patrick will be joining the team here to lead our work in this field; his experience and expertise will be a huge asset to us and our clients."
Mr. O'Hara previously was responsible for environmental, social and governance integration and stewardship for public markets at USS Investment Management, which manages the assets of £75 billion Universities Superannuation Scheme, London. Details of his replacement were not immediately available.