Cbus appoints ESG lead

The $70 billion construction industry fund has appointed a new head of responsible investment who will join the fund's leadership team.

Ros McKay joined the industry fund four years ago to oversee stewardship and policy.

In her new role, she will lead the evolution of the Fund's 'total portfolio' approach to managing ESG investment risks and opportunities.

This includes embedding the ongoing goals in Cbus' Climate Roadmap aimed at safeguarding members' savings from climate-related risks and ongoing uplift in integration, stewardship and communication of its approach.

McKay's prior experience includes policy, ESG integration and stewardship roles with an ASX 50 listed company, pensions regulators, superannuation industry bodies and a state-based funds manager.

Specifically, she was the engagement and policy consultant for the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors and manager - of environmental, social & governance for the Victorian Funds Management Corporation.

"The strength of Cbus' internal responsible investment team reiterates the importance of building internal capability and expertise so that ESG remains an integrated part of the investment decision-making process, with our members benefiting from new opportunities and innovations," said Cbus investment chief Kristian Fok

"Our commitment to managing these opportunities and risks has never been more important."

With over 20 years of responsible investment experience, Ros' prior experience includes policy, ESG integration and stewardship roles with an ASX 50 listed company, pensions regulators (in Australia and the UK), superannuation industry bodies and a state-based funds manager.

McKay is a member of the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI) Taxonomy Steering Committee. She Chairs the Australian Council of Super Investors (ACSI) Rights and Cultural Heritage Risk Management working group and is a member of the AICD's 30% Club Investor working group.