Robeco has appointed David Thomas as senior portfolio manager ahead of its upcoming Article 9-aligned RobecoSAM Biodiversity strategy.
In his new role, Thomas will prepare for the launch of the Biodiversity Equities thematic strategy.
This is expected to launch in Q4 2022.
The strategy will invest in companies supporting sustainable use of natural resources and ecosystem services.
It will also invest in technologies, products and services that help to reduce biodiversity threats or contribute to restoring natural habitats.
Thomas joins Robeco from Ellerston Capital, where he was a portfolio manager for several funds, including a strategy for one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth asset owners.
Before this, he had also worked for CLSA as head of Australian consumer research and Morgan Stanley as an executive director.
Thomas will work alongside Aaron Re’em, part of Robeco’s thematic investment team and a key developer of the biodiversity theme’s investment strategy.
Thomas will be based in Robeco’s Zurich office and will work alongside Robeco’s Thematic Investment team, SI Research and Active Ownership.
He commented: “The acceleration in the loss of biodiversity poses significant risks to the global economy: $44 trillion – or half the world’s GDP – is dependent on nature.
“The financial sector has a crucial role in helping to reduce further biodiversity loss by investing in companies that sustainably use or preserve natural capital. I am very proud to have been appointed senior portfolio manager of the new strategy.”
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