Premier Asset Management has announced the appointment of a head of responsible investing, in what is a newly created position.

Helene Winch will join in the new role from HSBC Global Asset Management, where she was a senior responsible investment adviser. She is scheduled to take up the role in September 2019.

Winch has had a strong career history to date, with more than 20 years working in sustainable investing, including time spent as head of policy at the BT Pension Scheme and as a director responsible for policy and research at Principles for Responsible Investment.

Announcing the move, Winch said there continues to be an increasing client focus on responsible investment.

She added: “This is an exciting time for investment firms such as Premier, as we continue to integrate responsible investing, covering ESG factors including sustainability and climate change, into our investment approach.

“I welcome the opportunity to play an important role in the next stages of the company’s development in these areas.”

In her new role, Winch will be responsible for developing the company’s overall responsible investment strategy and integrating ESG factors into the company’s investment processes. She will also work closely with the investment team responsible for the Premier Ethical Fund.

“The asset management industry is at a critical point in embracing sustainability as a core part of how it operates and invests on behalf of clients,” said Neil Birrell, chief investment officer at Premier.

“Premier believes that asset management firms have a key role to play in harnessing their clients’ assets to create a more sustainable economy and society, including a more resilient, low-carbon economy.”