Allianz Global Investors has swiped rival Blackrock’s head of sustainable emerging market debt.
Giulia Pellegrini has been hired to boost Allianz GI’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) capabilities in emerging market debt (EMD), a press release said. She will oversee country specific research and help manage a several EMD funds.
At Blackrock, Pellegrini (pictured) was involved in the launch of four sustainable EMD funds. She has also held positions at the World Bank and JP Morgan.
She will report to Allianz GI emerging market debt chief investment officer Richard House and will be based in London.
House said: “Last year was marked by a large disparity in asset price performance across EM. A handful of countries witnessed social unrest that can be traced back to underlying social and/or governance factors. Environmental issues have rightly become a significant consideration for both asset owners and investors.”
In May last year Allianz GI launched the Emerging Markets SRI Bond and Emerging Markets SRI Corporate Bond funds.
House added: “I am confident that Giulia’s previous experience, including her focus on sustainable investing and ESG will help us to continue cement our position as a key player in the sustainability space, following the launch of our two EMD SRI funds last year.”
