Polar Capital has hired Newton fund manager Naomi Waistell to boost its Emerging Market Stars team’s ESG credentials after its shift from Nordea Asset Management in 2018.
Waistell (pictured) spent 10 years at Newton Investment Management, most recently as a fund manager in the emerging market and Asian equities team with a focus on ESG.
She has become co-manager on the £91.3m Polar Capital Emerging Market Stars fund, launched in July 2018, reporting directly to Jorry Nøddekær who joined Polar in June 2018 along with a three-strong team from Nordea Asset Management.
Chelsea Financial Services managing director Darius McDermott said the Emerging Market Stars team has always had ESG in its process but was previously fed centrally from Nordea’s ESG team. “They don’t have that at Polar and hence the addition to the team,” he added.
At Newton Waistell co-chaired several investment theme groups and was part of the firm’s sustainable investor group.
She began her career as an associate at Praefinium Partners Investment Management in 2007 before moving to the financial consultancy arm of the Capita Group in 2009.
Polar Capital chief executive Gavin Rochussen said Waistell’s appointment “will provide additional depth and experience to the Emerging Market Stars team”.
“Her fundamental focus on ESG is core to the team’s philosophy and makes her a perfect fit for Polar Capital,” he added. “Her investment approach is fully aligned with that of Jorry and the team, complementing their strategy.”
Waistell said: “I strongly believe in the team’s investment approach and principles and am looking forward to bringing my experience and knowledge of responsible investing to the business.”
