The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) has appointed David Atkin as its new CEO.
Atkin will become CEO on December 10, 2021, taking over from Fiona Reynolds, who announced her decision to step down in June this year.
He previously held the positions of CEO of three Australian asset owners: Cbus, ESS Super, and JUST SUPER, as well as Deputy CEO of investment manager AMP Capital. Between 2009 and 2015, Atkin was a member of the PRI Board of Directors.
On November 15, 2021, Atkin will join PRI as an advisor. Reynolds will continue to serve as CEO until December 10, when David will formally take over. Reynolds will continue to work as an advisor at PRI until early next year. In March of next year, Atkin will relocate from Australia to PRI’s headquarters in London.
PRI Chair Martin Skancke says: “After an extensive global search, PRI is very pleased to appoint David Atkin as CEO. David is a passionate and authentic leader with a deep understanding of mission-driven organisations, and a highly experienced and effective manager. David brings a strong understanding of the needs of PRI’s signatories to the organisation, with a sophisticated knowledge of the priorities and management of asset owners gained from his time in the investment industry.
He is ideally suited to lead PRI at a time of continued growth in its presence and membership around the world, which has been expertly led by Fiona Reynolds for the past nine years. As David takes on the CEO role, we are also tremendously thankful to Fiona for her contributions.”
Atkin says: “I am very excited to be given this opportunity to lead the PRI in its next phase of meeting the needs of its broad and diverse signatory base. Responsible investment has entered the mainstream and today, for the first time, the majority of investors around the world recognise the importance of incorporating ESG factors into their investment and ownership activities.
I look forward to working with the Board and our talented team around the world to ensure that the PRI continues to provide the necessary support to enable our signatories to implement the six principles for responsible investment. Now more than ever, these principles play a critical role in helping institutional investors meet the needs of their beneficiaries, customers and the global community.”
PRI CEO Fiona Reynolds says: “I am delighted that a leader of David’s calibre and experience will take over as PRI CEO. I have known David for more than 20 years, and he is a natural leader who is passionate about sustainable investing. He has incredibly strong knowledge and experience of the powerful role investors can play as stewards of capital, and will be an asset to PRI as it continues to grow. It has been a privilege to lead the PRI for the past nine years, and as I relocate to Australia, wish David every success in the role. He and I will be working closely together to ensure a smooth transition.”