LGIM Real Asset, a division of Legal & General Investment Management, has appointed Shuen Chan as head of Environmental Social Governance (ESG).
With the UK legally required to meet net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Legal & General said it was looking beyond current legislation and practices to align its real asset portfolio with a science-based carbon performance target covering the period to 2030.
Rob Martin, director, strategy & ESG, LGIM Real Assets said: 'We need a step-change in progress towards combating climate change. As one of the UK’s largest institutional investors and real asset owners, we have a major part to play.
'Shuen’s appointment, with her strong expertise in ESG and climate change, including a deep understanding of debt markets, marks our continued commitment to embedding ESG in every area of our business.'
Chan will take the lead on ESG and support Legal & General’s strategic objective to embed sustainability in all areas of its real assets business, focusing on the LGIM Real Assets real estate equity platform and its private credit portfolio, which includes infrastructure.
Chan brings 25 years of experience in sustainability, capital markets and asset management, with expertise in ESG, climate change and impact investing. Most recently, she co-founded a purpose-driven ESG advisory firm, Sustineri.
Previously, Chan was a founding member and head of structured product origination at European Credit Management. Her early career was in debt capital markets at Deutsche Bank, Macquarie and HSBC across Asia and Europe.
Chan will report to Martin, and work closely with Malcolm Hanna, sustainability manager, LGIM Real Assets.
Chan said: 'I am delighted to be joining the team at LGIM Real Assets as I truly believe that there is a significant opportunity in the real assets sector in delivering long term value for investors.
'ESG and sustainable investing in the real assets sector is fundamental to meeting the Paris Agreement targets and a transition towards a low carbon economy and society.'
