ESG Investor Trillium Launches UK-Based Investment Team
Boston-based ESG investment manager Trillium Asset Management announced today the launch of a UK office, with plans to build out a UK & European growth strategy.
The move follows the acquisition of Trillium in June last year by Australian financial services firm Perpetual Limited. According to the company, the new physical presence in the UK is being established as Perpetual actively builds out its UK and European distribution presence.
David Lane, Group Executive, Perpetual Asset Management International, said:
“We are delighted to support Trillium as it builds on its storied near 40 year history, helping them expand their capabilities globally, and bringing their deep expertise to help leverage the capital of investors across the world for positive social and environmental impact.
“With the recent implementation of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation across Europe, sustainable investment has taken centre stage. Trillium’s unique strategies and investment approach, married with Ian and the team’s deep investment expertise, provide a truly compelling opportunity for investors.”
Along with the new launch, Trillium announced that it has hired a team of senior investment professionals to spearhead new global ESG equity strategies. The team will be led by Ian Warmerdam who joins as Lead Portfolio Manager. In addition, Jamie Mariani has been appointed Portfolio Manager for the new team, and Graham Kitchen will be Chairman of the UK Board.
Prior to joining Trillium, Warmerdam spent 18 years at Janus Henderson Investors, most recently as Director of Global Equities, where he also co-headed the Technology Investment Team. Mariani worked for 11 years at Martin Currie, including as Head of Research where he was responsible for managing the firm’s investment research and analytics capability, including ESG analysis. Kitchen joins Trillium with 30 years of experience in investment management, including serving as Global Head of Equities at Janus Henderson, and holding senior positions at Threadneedle Investments and Invesco Asset Management.
Warmerdam said:
“I’m delighted to be joining an ESG leader and bringing my professional and personal passions together. Over the last 20 years, I have invested client funds with sustainability at the forefront and with a ‘do no harm’ ESG mantra. To be joining Trillium, where I can combine my passion for ethical investing with Trillium’s heritage of ESG thought leadership and active shareholder engagement, is a real privilege.
“I look forward to joining Matt and the team, working closely with Jamie and re-kindling the successful partnership I enjoyed with Graham, to develop strategies for the UK and European markets and help create real positive change.”