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Dr Zsuzsa Banhalmi-Zakar
Manager of Research at RIAAZsuzsa is RIAA's Manager of Research. Her role is to look after the research efforts of the organisation, which include ensuring the continued success of existing projects and reimagining RIAA’s research for the future.
Zsuzsa has an extensive track record as researcher, spending the last nine years in academia. She completed a PhD in sustainable finance and worked extensively with investors and the not-for-profit sector in the region on topics such as climate adaptation finance, blue finance, and the identification of environmental risks and opportunities. Prior to moving to Australia, she was a senior consultant for Deloitte in Europe where she was first exposed to the power of responsible investment and lending to make a positive difference. Zsuzsa is passionate about helping capital move into ventures that make investments responsible and our world more sustainable for present and future generations.
Emma Herd
Oceania Partner, Climate Change and Sustainability Services at Ernst & YoungEmma is a Partner with EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability team and is a skilled professional with over 20 years’ experience in climate change, sustainable finance and sustainability practice. Prior to joining EY, Emma was Chief Executive Officer of the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) (2015-2021) and Environment Commissioner for the Greater Sydney Commission (2020-2021). Previously, Emma worked at Westpac for over 15 years across a range of sustainability, environment, sustainable finance, climate change, carbon trading and ESG risk management roles. Emma is a regular media contributor on climate change matters and a respected voice on climate transition implications for business.
Simon O'Connor
CEO of RIAASimon operates at the intersection of economics, finance and sustainability and has extensive international experience as an economic adviser, investment analyst and sustainability consultant across finance, corporate and not for profit sectors.
Simon works with RIAA’s 500+ member organisations with the goal of delivering on RIAA’s mission of promoting, advocating for, and supporting approaches to responsible investment that align capital with achieving a healthy and sustainable society, environment and economy.
Simon is active across the region and internationally in responsible investment and sustainable finance initiatives. He sits as an advisory member to the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute, working group member of the Toitū Tahua Centre for Sustainable Finance, Chair of the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance, as well as a member of the National Advisory Board on Impact Investing in New Zealand.
Leah Willis
Head of Client Relationships at Australian Ethical Investment LtdLeah is the Head of Client Relationships at Australian Ethical Investment, Australia’s leading ethical superannuation fund and investment manager with over $9.20 billion in funds under management as at 30 June 2023.
Leah joined Australian Ethical in December 2016 and is responsible for client relationships across Australian Ethical’s intermediated channels, including financial planners, researchers, consultants and mezzanine investors. Leah has more than 25-years’ experience in financial services distribution, including senior distribution positions with Rothschild Asset Management, BT Financial Group, Barclays Global Investors and IOOF.