MSCI has appointed Hiromichi Mizuno as a special adviser to the chief executive officer, effective August 1.

Mizuno is widely recognized as a pioneering figure in the world of sustainable investment and has played a pivotal role in promoting and implementing sustainable principles throughout the financial industry, a company statement says. He is particularly known for his impact and active efforts in addressing climate change and gender diversity through investment practices.

Mizuno served as executive managing director and chief investment officer of the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) of Japan, the world’s largest pension fund with approximately US$1.4 trillion in assets under management, from 2015 to 2020.

He had also served as special envoy of the United Nations secretary-general on innovative finance and sustainable investments and director of the board of Tesla. Mizuno currently serves as mission committee member of Danne, director of the board of LiveWire Group, and CFA Institute Research and Policy Advisor Council member.

Mizuno will provide MSCI with strategic counsel, thought leadership, and industry engagement. His involvement and expertise will help further solidify the firm’s commitment to empowering investors with data-driven insights to navigate the complexities of investment risks and opportunities, particularly climate and other sustainability issues facing long-term investors.