EdenTree has appointed a new head of responsible investment as Neville White (pictured) retires.

Carlota Esguevillas, who was previously senior responsible investment analyst in the team, stepped into the role at the start of January 2024.

Esguevillas has been with EdenTree’s responsible investment team for around three years, working closely with White, who will be staying on in a strategic advisory capacity.

“Neville retiring was part of a planned transition so I’ll be formally doing things I suppose I’ve been informally doing over the past year,” Esguevillas said.

“We’re structured in an integrated way and that’s how we can provide the best outcomes for our clients. I consider myself very fortunate at EdenTree that [responsible investment] really is at the heart of what we do so to be able to lead that, it’s very different to being at an asset manager where quite often you see responsible investment roles as a little bit more advisory and with a little bit less clout.”

See also: – Edentree appoints head of corporate responsibility 

In her new role she will be responsible for the firm’s responsible investment activities, from screening companies to assessing its policy, its engagement and voting strategy, and researching ESG issues. She will report to CIO Charlie Thomas.

“Carlota clearly showed some really genuine leadership skills so with Neville deciding to retire, we felt like she’s the most natural bet to take on the role,” Thomas said.

Prior to joining EdenTree, Esguevillas worked in sustainability consultancy at a firm called Simply Sustainable, advising companies on ESG disclosures and strategies. Before that she had a brief stint as an intern at a microfinance charity Fundación Nantik Lum. She has a degree in geography and a masters in business and human rights.

Esguevillas will also be joining ESG Clarity’s EU Committee, taking over from fund manager Ketan Patel, who is moving on from the firm. His fund, the UK Equity Growth Fund, will be taken over by Greg Herbert, head of UK equities at EdenTree.

“Ketan has decided to leave, 100% with our support,” Thomas said.

“As part of a strategic view, that team is going to be headed by Greg Herbert, who has taken over our managed income fund.”

Amelia Gaston and Cordelia Dower-Tylee will continue in their roles as analysts in the responsible investment team and the firm is close to hiring another senior analyst.

Looking to the year ahead, as well as hiring a new analyst, Thomas said the focus now will be on the UK regulator’s Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR).

“I’m not saying we’re going to have changes but it’s an opportunity refresher. SDR is a fantastic line in the sand and it’s our springboard. Already the team is teed up and ready.”