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Simon O'Connor
CEO of Responsible Investment Association AustralasiaSimon 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.
Erica Miles
Director of KPMG New ZealandErica leads KPMG’s Sustainable Value Practice in New Zealand. Erica is a passionate and experienced non-financial risk management professional, with over 25 years of experience. With a thorough understanding of the environmental and social issues facing an organisation, Erica provides practical and reasoned advice on better practice ESG governance, strategy, systems and culture to improve organisations’ performance through the successful management of their material environmental and social risks and opportunities.
Erica works across all elements of the ESG/Investment value chain, from ESG due diligence, stakeholder engagement, ESG risk identification and management, governance, strategy design and policy, EHS management systems, compliance and internal audit, through to reporting and assurance. Erica believes in working with clients to develop practical solutions that create long-term value for all stakeholders. Erica is also an independent assessor for RIAA’s responsible investment certification programme.
Cassandra Williams
Certification and Ratings Manager at Responsible Investment Association AustralasiaCassandra 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.
David Beattie
Joint CEO and CIO of Booster Investment ManagementDavid has over 35 years’ experience in research and investment management and has been Chief Investment Officer for Booster Financial Services since November 2000. Prior to joining Booster, David
spent 17 years at Westpac Financial Services, where had a variety of roles, including three years as General Manager Investments, and five years as Chief Investment Officer.
David has a Bachelor of Management Studies degree, with majors in Economics,
Maths & Marketing. He is an Associate Member of the Institute of Actuaries, an Associate Member of the Institute of Financial Advisers and a Member of INFINZ, the Institute of Financial Professionals of NZ.
When he is not looking after people’s money, David is a NZ Football (soccer) Referee Badge holder and referees senior men’s Central League football matches most weekends.
Joshua Edmunds
Manager of Operations and Member Services at Responsible Investment Association AustralasiaAs 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.
Vinnie Wadhera
Executive Director – Institutional & Adviser Business of BetasharesVinnie is responsible for BetaShares’ distribution strategy to institutional investors and financial advisory groups. Vinnie has extensive experience in the investment management industry. He has held senior distribution roles with ING Australia, Allianz Dresdner Asset Management and Third Link Investment Managers. Prior to that he was Head of Research at AMP Financial Services responsible for fund manager selection & review and model portfolio construction. Vinnie has attained the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree.