StatePlus Risk Manager joins Australian Ethical

Ethical investment and superannuation provider Australian Ethical Investment (Australian Ethical) has announced the appointment of Karen Hughes to the newly-created role of chief risk officer, effective 1 May 2017.

The announcement comes on the back of news that the business has exceeded $2 billion in FUM and has strengthened both its marketing/sales and finance/operations teams.

In her new role, Hughes is responsible for risk and compliance across the group. Previously, she was with Stateplus (formerly State Super Financial Services) where she was general manager risk and compliance. Prior to this, she has held senior roles at Tyndall Australia, Jardine Fleming and Price WaterhouseCoopers.

Commenting on Australian Ethical's recent success, managing director, Phil Vernon, said: "This is a significant milestone for Australian Ethical and for ethical investing in Australia...it clearly demonstrates the rising tide of ethical investment and that Australians are increasingly seeing their investment decisions as powerful levers for effecting change."

He added: "The past year has been one of considerable change for the business as we position ourselves for continued future growth. [The] new additions to the team give us a strong platform to drive growth whilst tightly managing our risk."