The Transition Pathway Initiative (TPI) has appointed David Russell as chair, following the decision by Church of England Pensions Board chief responsible investment officer Adam Matthews to step down from the board in September.
Russell (pictured) was formerly head of responsible investment for the Universities Superannuation Scheme. He has served on the TPI board since its inception and was previously a member of its steering committee.
He was also steering committee member of the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change from its establishment in 2001 until it was incorporated, and remains an adviser to its board. He is a former board member of the PRI Association, and until recently was on the board of the International Centre for Pensions Management.
TPI is backed by investors with more than $50trn in assets under management and works in partnership with the Grantham Research Institute and FTSE Russell.
Commenting on his appointment, Russell said: “Given the urgent need to address climate change, the work that the investors will do with the analysis provided by the newly-created TPI Global Climate Transition Centre, at the London School of Economics and Political Science, is crucial for investment decision-making and stewardship activities.
“I look forward to playing a key role in supporting the TPI as it continues to expand the breadth and depth of its analysis to be at the forefront of meeting investor needs.”
The TPI board also announced the appointment of Jake Barnett, from US-based Wespath Benefits and Investments to the role of chair of the TPI strategic advisory committee.
Barnett said: “As TPI continues to expand the comprehensiveness and depth of its research, the strategic advisory committee will be an important forum to work with asset owners, managers and investor coalition partners to ensure that TPI’s work continues to enhance investors’ analysis of and engagement with companies on their transition readiness.
“Ultimately, this will help all investors respond more effectively to the economic and scientific imperative to transition to a sustainable global economy.”
