U Ethical makes two board appointments

U Ethical has appointed Annette King and Robin Burns to its board of directors.

King brings more than 18 years' experience in directorships, including roles at MLC Australia, Swiss Re, AFG and FNZ Group.

She also has over 10 years in CEO or general manager roles in Australia, New Zealand and Asia with AXA, Mercer, and Manulife.

She is a qualified actuary, a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is president and chair at the Actuaries Institute in Australia.

U Ethical cited her experience leading significant financial institutions, saying it would prove beneficial as the ethical fund manager "expands further into new wealth management and wholesale markets, competing with leading investment managers."

Burns has over 30 years of senior executive experience in a range of financial services enterprises, comprising listed companies, superannuation funds, and large international companies including AXA, Pimco Australia, Equity Trustees and Equip Super.

He has previously held directorship appointments with BT Superannuation, Defence Health, and The Financial Services Council.

"U Ethical has worked hard behind the scenes for the last two years on streamlining its back-office processes seen recently with unit registry outsourcing to IRESS," noted UE board chair Lindsay Mann.

"In addition, the enhancement to UE's process-driven investment approach is already proving competitive against larger players in the market.

"Annette and Robin will help shape and offer guidance during this next phase of growth."

King pointed to the shift in investor mindset to an increased understanding of ESG and responsible investment.

"U Ethical is Australia's most experienced ethical investor, with its first funds established in 1985," she said. "Its north star of investing with purpose, and improving our world through the power of ethical investing, is a huge attraction for me - enabling me to also "give back" and improve our world for the future.

"The benefits of ethical investing, and ESG in general, are becoming continually apparent to advisers and investors alike, with U Ethical well positioned to deliver solutions for these responsible investment goals."

Burns also highlighted the nature of responsible investment.

"Having been involved in investing on a professional basis for many years, with the aim of helping individuals achieve their long-term financial goals and security, I am very pleased to join and contribute to U Ethical," Burns said.

""By transcending its focus beyond solely financial returns, U Ethical aims to deliver sustainable, long-term results - both financially and through an environmental and social impact lens."

U Ethical has $1.4 billion in funds under management as of 31 December 2021. It operates as a social enterprise, with its operating surplus granted each year as a community contribution.

To date, U Ethical has granted more than $62 million to charitable initiatives.