Alphinity adds ESG manager

Alphinity Investment Management has appointed Jessica Cairns as its first ESG and sustainability manager.

A spokesperson for the organisation says the new role is integrating ESG concerns across the organisation's domestic and global equities funds.

"Jessica is already playing an important role in assisting the Sustainable Share Fund Compliance Committee in refining the investment universe for the fund which considers companies' contribution towards achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Along with the analysts, she will also help to drive company and market engagements, and ensure Alphinity remains a leading thinker in ESG and SDG matters," Alphinity principal and portfolio manager Stephane Andre said.

Cairns most recently spent nearly three years with Transurban as a sustainability advisor. She previously held research and sustainability consultancy roles in infrastructure organisations including ISCA, SLR Consulting, and at the University of Newcastle.

Reporting from Elizabeth McArthur at Financial Standard contributed to this report.