Federated Hermes has tapped a woman from Lego to build out its responsible investing capabilities in Gary Greenberg’s emerging markets equities team.
Olivia Lankester will become responsible investing and sustainability director within the team, reporting to lead portfolio manager Kunjal Gala.
Lankester started this week and will develop the team’s ESG analysis, determine whether portfolio companies are prepared for climate change risks and align companies to the UN SDGs. She will also work closely with EOS, Federated Hermes’ stewardship team.
Most recently, Lankester was senior director for social impact and responsibility at the Lego Group. She was a strategic adviser on the toy company’s brand purpose, social impact investment, responsible sourcing and circular economy. Previously, she was head of corporate responsibility at fashion chain Monsoon Accessorize.
Before her corporate roles, she worked at F&C Asset Management covering pharma, food, retail, ICT and emerging markets as associate director.
She holds an MSC in social policy and planning in developing countries from the London School of Economics and an MA in modern history from the University of Oxford.
In a press release announcing her appointment, Lankester said: “I’m excited to be working with a team who are walking the talk and together we can use our firepower to meet both financial and sustainable outcomes on behalf of our clients.”
Federated Hermes head of emerging markets Gary Greenberg said: “We have always been active owners of the stocks we invest in, with ESG integration and engagement forming a key part of our investment process. Olivia’s role is vital in deepening our ESG awareness and knowledge of issues across our GEMs portfolio.”
