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Dr Rhian-Mari Thomas OBE (Chief Executive at Green Finance Institute)

Dr Rhian-Mari Thomas OBE

Chief Executive at Green Finance Institute

Dr Rhian-Mari is Chair of the Green Finance Institute’s Coalition for the Energy Efficiency of Buildings. Rhian was previously the global head of green banking and the founder and chair of Barclays Green Banking Council, which developed and launched Barclays’ suite of green finance products and services.

These include issuance of the first green bond by a UK bank backed solely by UK assets, the first green mortgage by a major UK high street lender and establishing Barclays as the first commercial bank with a full green corporate banking proposition to complement Barclays’ existing green bond origination capabilities.

Rhian is an Emeritus Member of the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). She also previously sat on the UK Government Green Finance Taskforce, the Banking Environment Initiative’s Fintech Taskforce and the steering group for the United Nations Environment Programme Principles for Responsible Banking.
Rhian is a commissioner for the Commission for Carbon Charging, a member of the Global Advisory Council for Oxford University’s Sustainable Finance Programme and an Advisor to the UK Government’s Climate Finance Accelerator programme.

Dr Rod Carr (Chairperson at Climate Change Commission)

Dr Rod Carr

Chairperson at Climate Change Commission

Dr Carr has extensive experience in both public and private sector governance and leadership. He served as Chair and non-executive director of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and served as Deputy Governor and for a time Acting Governor of the Bank. Dr Carr was the founding Chair of the National Infrastructure Advisory Board and for over a decade was a non-executive director of the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce. He led the University of Canterbury as Vice Chancellor for ten years, and holds a PhD in Insurance and Risk Management, an MA in Applied Economics and Managerial Science, an MBA in Money and Finance and honours degrees in law and economics.

Dr Bronwyn King AO (CEO of Tobacco Free Portfolios)

Dr Bronwyn King AO

CEO of Tobacco Free Portfolios

Dr. Bronwyn King AO began her medical career
working as a doctor on the lung cancer ward at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia. While doing her best to treat her patients (many of whom had started smoking in childhood) Dr King observed first-hand the truly devastating impact of tobacco - many deaths and much suffering. She was unaware that at the very same
time she was investing in Big Tobacco via her compulsory superannuation (pension) fund. Tobacco Free Portfolios was set up in response to that uncomfortable discovery. Since then, Dr King has assembled an accomplished team that has been instrumental in advancing the switch to tobacco- free finance across the globe. Her 2017 TEDxSydney talk on tobacco-free finance has been viewed more than three million times.

Matt Whineray (Chief Executive Office at New Zealand Superannuation Fund)

Matt Whineray

Chief Executive Office at New Zealand Superannuation Fund

Responsible for general management of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation and of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund under delegation from the Board.
Matt was appointed Chief Executive Officer 1 July 2018.
Matt joined the Guardians in May 2008 as General Manager, Private Markets. In 2014 Matt became Chief Investment Officer overseeing the Investments Group, responsible for the Fund’s portfolio construction and investment activity in listed and unlisted markets, both directly and through investment managers. Matt’s achievements in this role included the development of the Fund’s climate change investment strategy, risk allocation process and risk budget framework, along with the strengthening of the Guardians’ New Zealand and international direct investment capabilities.
Before joining the Guardians, Matt was at Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) where he was Head of Financial Sponsor Coverage for non- Japan Asia. Prior to this, he was a Managing Director at First NZ Capital in New Zealand and a Vice President at Credit Suisse First Boston in New York. Matt began his career as a Barrister and Solicitor with Russell McVeagh in Auckland.
Matt is a member of Focusing Capital on the Long Term, a Director of Netball New Zealand and Co-Chair of the Aotearoa Circle’s Sustainable Finance Forum. Matt has previously served as a member of the World Economic Forum General Agenda Council on the Future of Investing, and as Chair of the InZone Education Foundation.

James Shaw (Minister for Climate Change | Minister of Statistics | Associate Minister of Finance)

James Shaw

Minister for Climate Change | Minister of Statistics | Associate Minister of Finance

New Zealand can lead the world in transitioning to a high-value, clean-tech, post-carbon economy that works for everyone. It’s one of the many reasons James joined the Green Party in 1990, and why he’s extremely excited about being a Minister in the Labour-led Government. This Government will bring the large-scale, transformational change that is needed to build a truly sustainable economy, a diverse inclusive society, and to restore and replenish our natural world.

Prior to becoming an MP, James had a successful career in management consulting, primarily in London, where he lived from 1998 to 2010. James worked with large, multinational companies across Europe and around the world, helping them develop more sustainable business practices.

Raewyn Jones (Trust Manager at WEL Energy Trust)

Raewyn Jones

Trust Manager at WEL Energy Trust

Raewyn took on the role of trust manager at WEL Energy Trust in August 2014, and has come from a background in a range of management and front-line communications, marketing, relationship building and strategic planning roles in sectors including business, education and tourism. A degree in Management Studies and Japanese from the University of Waikato led to a variety of posts including Japanese speaking tour guide, personnel consultant and later a career in education where she was subject leader for Japanese for at the University of Central Lancashire in the UK for over 10 years and completed a Masters in Education. Upon returning to New Zealand, Raewyn led the operations of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce as CEO, where she worked to positively influence business vitality in the region.

Simon O'Connor (CEO of Responsible Investment Association Australasia)

Simon O'Connor

CEO of Responsible Investment Association Australasia

Simon 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 240 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 Co-Chair of the Australian Sustainable Finance Initiative, working group member of the NZ Sustainable Finance Forum, a member of the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance, the UN backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) Australia Network Advisory Committee, as well as a member of the National Advisory Board on Impact Investing in New Zealand.

Matthew Mimms (Managing Director of The Investment Store)

Matthew Mimms

Managing Director of The Investment Store

Matthew Mimms is the Founder and Managing Director of The Investment Store. Matt has over 30 year's experience in financial services in both the UK and New Zealand. Immediately prior to establishing the Investment Store, Matt was head of Retail Sales and Service at BT Funds Management.

Matt has been integrally involved in the NZ investment and financial adviser industry for 20 years including a 2 year stint as Chair of the Auckland branch for the then named Financial Planners and Insurance Advisers Association. Matt is a strong advocate for responsible investing and is currently a board member of the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia (RIAA).

He has a business degree from the University of Sheffield (UK) and a Diploma in Business Studies (personal financial planning) from Massey University.

Olivia Albrecht (Head of ESG Business Strategy at PIMCO (USA))

Olivia Albrecht

Head of ESG Business Strategy at PIMCO (USA)

Olivia Albrecht is an executive vice president in the product strategy group in Newport Beach as the head of PIMCO's ESG Business Strategy. Previously, she led the firm's global fixed income business within the product strategy group. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2011, she worked in private equity at Cerberus Capital Management in Frankfurt, Germany. She has also held positions at Lockheed Martin, Mubadala Development Corporation in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and the U.S. Department of Defense. She holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, along with a master's degree from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and an undergraduate degree from Princeton University. Ms. Albrecht was a member of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Orange County Board of Directors from 2012–2014.

Dave Rae (Financial Planner at Federation Financial Services)

Dave Rae

Financial Planner at Federation Financial Services

Dave has been an adviser for 19 years and specialises in working with professionals and small business owners who are highly motivated to achieve their own definition of success. He guides his clients to achieve what is important to them and to live the life of their dreams.

Steffan Berridge (Head of Quantitative Strategy and Responsible Investment at Kiwi Wealth)

Steffan Berridge

Head of Quantitative Strategy and Responsible Investment at Kiwi Wealth

Steffan Berridge is the Head of Quantitative and Responsible Investment at Kiwi Invest, the investment division of Kiwi Wealth. His focus is on quantitative global equity and macro strategy including ESG exclusions and ESG factor integration. He has also developed RI policies and proxy voting for global equities. Prior to joining Kiwi Wealth in 2013 he worked for Man Group in London, heading portfolio management for the flagship AHL fund and working on portfolio optimisation and strategy research. He holds a PhD in mathematical finance from Tilburg University in the Netherlands, specialising in high-dimensional option pricing.

John Berry (CEO of Pathfinder Asset Management)

John Berry

CEO of Pathfinder Asset Management

John is an advocate for responsible investment and for greater transparency around investment products. He is CEO (and co-founder) of Pathfinder Asset Management, a boutique fund manager specialising in ethical investment. Pathfinder manages a range of ethical funds and also the CareSaver KiwiSaver Scheme.

John is a trustee of the Men’s Health Trust NZ. He is also an independent director of Punakaiki Fund (an investor in NZ growth and tech businesses) and a member of the Financial Advice Code Working Group.

Nicolette Boele (Executive Manager Policy & Research at Responsible Investment Association Australasia)

Nicolette Boele

Executive Manager Policy & Research at Responsible Investment Association Australasia

Nicolette has 30 years’ experience delivering engagements, collaborations and accountability solutions for and with Australian and international companies, governments, unions, and NGOs. She has deep subject matter experience in energy and climate change. Like Simon she has worked at and been on Council at the Australian Conservation Foundation. She has also held executive roles at The Climate Institute, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Banarra and the Sustainable Energy Development Authority.

Nicolette leads RIAA’s programs of work on standards setting, industry research and policy. She is a member of both the PRI’s Global Policy Reference Group and the Coordinating Working Group of the Australian Sustainable Finance Initiative. Nicolette is proud to help support RIAA’s Human Rights Working Group – an active, courageous and impactful network of investment practitioners seeking ways to respect human rights and improve the lives of people in Australia, New Zealand and worldwide.

Trevor David (Associate Director, Client Relations of Sustainalytics)

Trevor David

Associate Director, Client Relations of Sustainalytics

As an Associate Director on Sustainalytics’ Client Relations team, Trevor leads Canadian client relationships, supporting asset managers and asset owners to integrate ESG research and ratings into their investment strategies. Trevor has led various projects to support investors in developing sustainable investment approaches and creating sustainable fund products. He is a regular blog contributor and co-author of the report, ‘How Investors Integrate ESG: A Typology of Approaches’ (2017). Prior to joining Sustainalytics, Trevor held sustainability-focused roles in the public and private sector. Trevor is a CFA Charterholder, and is a recipient of ‘Canada's Clean 50 - 2019 Emerging Leader’ and ‘2019 SRI Conference 30 Under 30’ awards.

Joshua Edmunds (Manager of Operations and Member Services at Responsible Investment Association Australasia)

Joshua Edmunds

Manager of Operations and Member Services at Responsible Investment Association Australasia

As RIAA’s Manager of Operations and Member Services, Josh works across all areas of RIAA, back and front office. Josh is often the first point of contact for members and he provides support on many areas of RIAA's work plan, in particular working closely with RIAA’s financial adviser members. Josh holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Laws and a Diploma in Financial Planning.

Emily Faithfull (Corporate Ratings Analyst at ISS ESG)

Emily Faithfull

Corporate Ratings Analyst at ISS ESG

Emily is a Corporate Ratings Analyst at ISS ESG and regularly contributes to bespoke research projects for Australian and New Zealand-based ISS ESG clients. Her work includes research relating to cannabis investments addressing the distinction between recreational and medical cannabis, implications for investors considering the cannabis industry, and the legalities of cannabis both on the international stage and in the New Zealand context. Emily has a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian National University (ANU) and is currently undertaking a Master of Energy Change at the ANU.

Tanya Gilchrist (Director/Senior Adviser of DecisionMakers (Tauranga))

Tanya Gilchrist

Director/Senior Adviser of DecisionMakers (Tauranga)

Having been an investment adviser for over 18 years, Tanya gets the most enjoyment out of seeing people live the life they plan to. After working out a plan together, she helps to manage the ups and downs of life along the way.
Most of her clients are over the age of 55, from the generation of people whose legacy is the beautiful country we live in today. At least half of her clients take a monthly income from their investments, and although it can be challenging to manage at times, it makes her job more interesting!
Tanya is known in the team for her technical and IT skills and loves to use these to discover new (and hopefully better) ways of doing things. Tanya has a full life outside work, with three children at home, a middle-aged chocolate Labrador, and a dedication to organising and supporting local charitable events.

Temuera Hall (Managing Director of JMI Wealth - Tahito)

Temuera Hall

Managing Director of JMI Wealth - Tahito

Temuera is an experienced investment professional and a professional director, with 25+ years experienced, representing on both private and public sector boards. Tem specialises in indigenous and pan-tribal collaborations, investment partnerships, funds management, and governance including executive leadership.

Temuera has been involved in business development, asset management and investment advice since 1994. He continues to bring his experience and knowledge of indigenous Māori values and principles in to his governance business management, private equity and funds management roles. Temuera has led or played a key leadership role in numerous significant investment collaborations and partnerships with Māori Asset Holding entities. His expertise also incorporates instilling organisational values and culture, driving “kaupapa based” investment strategies and building enduring relationships.

Mark Holtom (Financial Planner at C2C Partners Ltd)

Mark Holtom

Financial Planner at C2C Partners Ltd

Mark has over 29 years’ experience in the Financial Services sector both in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, having worked in senior roles within large corporate institutions, as well as small boutique advisory businesses. He holds Authorised Financial Adviser (AFA) status as well as Advanced Financial Planning Certification from the United Kingdom. Mark is also a Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) Certified Financial Adviser.

In 2004, Mark and his wife decided to up sticks and leave the United Kingdom with a dream of building a new life in New Zealand. He enjoyed working and gaining extensive experience while achieving many successes with several large New Zealand financial corporates, including winning awards. However, he discovered there was a motivation to revisit his earlier career of working with a smaller boutique advisory firm, which resulted in an opportunity to join the C2C Partners team.

Lucas Kengmana (Senior Investment Strategist at New Zealand Superannuation Fund)

Lucas Kengmana

Senior Investment Strategist at New Zealand Superannuation Fund

Lucas recently joined the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation as Senior Investment Strategist, where he is pulling together their first TCFD Report. In the past, he has worked at the Climate Change Commission, looking at land use emissions and at Fonterra, where he lead their climate change strategy. He is also a founding member of Greenpreneurs, an online accelerator for young entrepreneurs working on green enterprises in developing countries.

Erica Miles (Director of West Nine Consulting Limited)

Erica Miles

Director of West Nine Consulting Limited

Erica is an experienced ESG risk management consultant, with over 25 years of experience. Erica provides practical and reasoned advice on better practice ESG governance, strategy, systems and culture to improve organisations’ performance through the successful integration and management of their material environmental and social risks and opportunities.

Erica works across all elements of the ESG/Responsible Investment value chain, from ESG due diligence (pre and post-acquisition), stakeholder engagement and materiality, governance, ESG policy and strategy, ESG integration, EHS management systems, compliance and internal audit, through to impact measurement and disclosure (reporting and assurance).

Erica also provides advice to Boards and senior leaders on how to improve their health and safety governance and performance.

Erica is a key member of New Zealand's Sustainable Finance Forum and was one of the lead authors of their Interim Report. Erica also co-authored the SBC/KPMG Guide to Sustainability Governance (published 2018), and was the lead author on 2017 Road Ahead Report – a study of corporate non-financial (ESG) disclosures in New Zealand.

Sam Richards (Managing Director of Brightlight Impact Advisory)

Sam Richards

Managing Director of Brightlight Impact Advisory

Prior to joining Brightlight, Samuel was the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) in Australia and New Zealand, where he had been for nearly 15 years. In his role as COO he was focused on strategy development/implementation within the distribution, investment and support functions of the GSAM Australia business. Samuel has 8 years’ experience supporting a range of not-for-profit projects in the Asia-Pacific region and holds a number of Chair and board positions within these organisations. Samuel is a member of the UNCDF SHIFT Investment Committee and the RIAA Impact Investment Forum among other areas of involvement.

Justine Sefton (Associate Director, Sustainable Value of KPMG New Zealand)

Justine Sefton

Associate Director, Sustainable Value of KPMG New Zealand

Justine leads KPMG’s sustainable finance practice and thought leadership. Justine is a climate change and sustainability specialist with more than 20 years’ experience across public and private sectors internationally and broad sector expertise. Justine is a member of the Impact Investing National Advisory Board New Zealand.

She has worked for the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, AMP Financial Services (NZ) and Australian industry pension fund, Cbus, on climate change and broader responsible investment policy and products. She also advised New Zealand electricity ‘gentailer’, Mercury, on corporate sustainability leadership.

Rebekah Swan (ESG Investment Specialist, NZ / Client Advocate / Head of Product at AMP Capital Investors (NZ) Limited)

Rebekah Swan

ESG Investment Specialist, NZ / Client Advocate / Head of Product at AMP Capital Investors (NZ) Limited

Rebekah is the ESG Investment Specialist for New Zealand and also the Head of Product. As our ESG Investment Specialist she is actively involved with the ESG team at AMP Capital, the industry within New Zealand and is passionate for all things in responsible investment and corporate governance.

As a strong client advocate, she also manages the relationships with a number of AMP Capital's long-standing clients. In Rebekah’s Head of Product role, she has the responsibility for bringing new and innovative product solutions to the New Zealand market.

She is a member of the AMP Capital New Zealand Strategy team, and Management Team and the Australia and New Zealand Client Leadership Team, a member of the Responsible Investment Committee, the Financial Markets Conduct Committee and is a Director of AMP Investment Management. She is also a member of the New Zealand Governance and the Sustainable Finance Forum Technical Working Group.

Rebekah also holds a number of not for profit board roles outside of AMP Capital and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.

Katharine Tapley (Head of Sustainable Finance at ANZ Banking Group)

Katharine Tapley

Head of Sustainable Finance at ANZ Banking Group

Katharine Tapley is a veteran of corporate finance and financial services, with a career spanning more than 20 years servicing clients across sectors including natural resources, agriculture, telecommunications, power and infrastructure and consumer brands in New Zealand, UK and Australia.

She is currently Head of Sustainable Finance at ANZ, where she leads a team responsible for spearheading the bank’s strategy to support its client base transition to a zero carbon and more sustainable economy. In addition to setting up ANZ’s own green and sustainability bond programs and overseeing ANZ’s 2025 $50b sustainable finance target, Katharine and her team have facilitated the execution of more than $35b of financing across green, social and sustainability bonds and loans in Australia, New Zealand and Asia since 2015.

Katharine is a board member of Australia’s Carbon Markets Institute and co-chair of a Technical Working Group within the Australian Sustainable Finance Initiative.

Katharine was recently announced as a winner of the Kanga News Award: Market People of the Year for 2019. Noted as a “trailblazer in the Australian sustainable finance market” and “whenever a new or innovative transaction emerges in the Australasian market there is a better chance than not that ANZ has been involved- and that Tapley was a driving force behind it”.

Women in Banking & Finance also recently announced Katharine Tapley as the winner of the “WiBF Award for Achievement in Institutional Banking”, celebrating the accomplishments of a woman in a senior role in Banking & Finance.

Cassandra Williams (Certification and Ratings Manager at Responsible Investment Association Australasia)

Cassandra Williams

Certification and Ratings Manager at Responsible Investment Association Australasia

Cassandra has over 20 years experience in the Financial Services sector. She has worked for researchers & gatekeepers, banks and fund managers.

Cassandra brings rich experience in reviews and ratings, based on her time as Director of Research at CANSTAR, where she launched and lead the now industry-standard 5 Star Ratings. She was appointed to ASIC’s Consumer Advisory Panel. Most recently Cassandra ran a FinTech start-up.

At RIAA, Cassandra leads our Certification and Ratings Program and will build out our consumer-facing content and resources.

Cassandra has a Bachelor of Business, MBA and Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment.

Robert Wilson Jr (Investment Officer - Research Analyst at MFS Investment Management)

Robert Wilson Jr

Investment Officer - Research Analyst at MFS Investment Management

Investment Officer - Research Analyst
Joined MFS in 2013.
Previous experience includes 6 years as Senior Investment Analyst at American Century; 5 years as FP&A/Treasury Manager at Bain & Company.
University of Chicago, MBA, high honors
Boston University, BS, summa cum laude