Former Scottish Widows head of responsible investments and stewardship Maria Nazarova-Doyle has joined IFM Investors as executive director.
Nazarova-Doyle, who announced her departure from Scottish Widows in July, will be leading the firm’s global sustainable investment team.
In a LinkedIn post, Nazarova-Doyle said: “I am beyond thrilled to have this opportunity to contribute to IFM’s work towards maximising long-term returns, while creating positive and wide-ranging benefits for communities around the world.
“Many of you know private markets have always had a special place in my heart and in my work to enable DC pension schemes to invest in these fantastic long-term opportunities. Not only does the business case for direct investment remain strong, but coupled with the ability to directly contribute to the just energy transition and help resolve social issues for workers and communities, it becomes a no-brainer.
“With the unique position on the cusp between an asset owner and an asset manager, IFM Investors really understand systemic risks and work shoulder to shoulder and in alignment with its pension fund owners and clients to invest in what matters.”
Nazarova-Doyle oversaw the DC & individual wealth division at Mercer while working as a principal and market engagement leader prior to joining Scottish Widows. Her primary responsibility was developing and implementing a market engagement strategy to increase Mercer’s market share in the areas of financial planning, master trust services, and DC consulting.
