Niklasson has been appointed head of research at the division in a move Investec said showed its commitment to developing its role as a signatory of the Principles of Responsible Investment.
She was formerly head of governance and responsible investment at Threadneedle, where she was responsible for managing and developing the firm’s Sustainable and Responsible Investment and governance team.
Previously she has worked as a research analyst focusing on corporate social responsibility and sustainable development in emerging markets.
Investec added that the new hire was an important next step in its adherence the Financial Reporting Council’s stewardship code.