Fiona Reynolds is stepping down as chief executive officer of the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment, having helmed the organization – which aims to foster the growth of ESG as a critical factor among institutional investors, governments and multilateral institutions globally – since early 2013.
Reynolds will hand over the reins at the PRI at the beginning of 2022, and a sub-committee has been formed under the supervision of the PRI’s board, led by chair Martin Skancke, to search for her successor.
She has been critical to the development of the London-headquartered PRI, from an organization with just 37 staff at her joining to 170 now, and from 1,000 signatories to a soon-to-be-reached 4,000, a total which represents more than half of the world’s institutional assets.
“Over [my tenure], I’ve not only had the privilege of witnessing the growth of the organization, but the evolution of responsible investment itself, as it has shifted from a niche activity into the mainstream of the global financial industry,” writes Reynolds on the PRI’s website, citing a wish to return to her native Australia and her family there as the reason for her resignation.
“Being a part of the responsible investment journey and driving toward a more sustainable, green and just future has no doubt been a highlight of my career and indeed my life. PRI has truly become part of my DNA.”
Reynolds has overseen the PRI during a period of explosive growth for ESG as a key component of institutional investment decision making as well as government policy, as concerns about climate change, environmental protection, social impact and corporate governance have moved to front and centre of the global mindset.
“In Fiona’s tenure as CEO of the PRI, she has led the growth in scope and reach of the organization to investors, policymakers and other stakeholders around the world. In turn, with tremendous commitment, energy and experience, Fiona has also contributed personally to the growth of responsible investing more broadly,” writes Skancke.
