Pure-play asset manager Robeco has expanded its SI Center of Expertise team with the appointment of Lucian Peppelenbos as climate strategist, a newly-created role designed to further develop Robeco and RobecoSAM’s climate change strategy and ensure it remains a leading practice within the firm.

In addition, he will chair the climate change task force and help establish steps to further lower the carbon footprint of Robeco’s investments transitioning to a lower-carbon economy.

Peppelenbos joins from APG Asset Management, where he served as senior responsible investment and governance specialist, responsible for environment, social and governance (ESG) integration in investment portfolios and engagement with investee companies with a focus on climate change.

“With his many years of experience we have found someone that can help further shape our climate strategy, and take our efforts to combat climate change in alignment with the Paris climate agreement to the next level,” says Carola van Lamoen, head of Robeco’s SI Center of Expertise.

The Center of Expertise, which brings together its investment professionals focused on sustainable investing, consists of four pillars: SI [sustainable investing] thought leadership, SI client portfolio management, SI research, and active ownership.