Bio

Roger provides expertise and problem solving around Environmental, Social and Governance across £1.7bn investor Downing LLP. Areas of focus are designing and implementing strategy & governance, integrating ESG to investment and engagement activity, driving advocacy through involvement with various industry associations, and defining solutions to meet the future liabilities that clients are saving for today. Roger previously worked as Head of ESG at £45.7bn investment manager & consultant River and Mercantile. Responsibilities included aligning ESG strategy to investment and client teams, stewardship to achieve real-world outcomes and providing specialist climate and carbon expertise. This was across active equities, multi-asset and infrastructure investment functions, and in fiduciary solutions to clients. Prior to this, Roger held an ESG role at the £47.3bn Aviva Investors Real Assets platform, which invests in property, infrastructure and private debt. Roger has completed the UN Principles of Responsible Investment programme, holds the CFA UK Diploma in Investment Management (ESG) and has passed Level 1 of the Chartered Financial Analyst programme. Roger is also a passionate advocate for achieving 1.5 degrees of climate change above pre-industrial levels.