ART taps former cbus ESG head

Nicole Bradford has been appointed head of sustainable investment at the Australian Retirement Trust joining from Cbus.

Before her seven-year stint at the industry fund for construction and building workers as global head of responsible investment, Bradford was the ESG risk leader at GE Capital.

Earlier she worked as a consultant at the UK-based Golder Associates, a project manager with URS Corporation, acting assistant director at the Department of the Environment and Heritage, and an environmental scent at CSIRO.

ART chief investment chief, Ian Patrick said Bradford joins the $230 billion super fund at an exciting time as the team works to bring together their two heritage investment portfolios, with a key focus on sustainable investing.

"As a profit-for-members superannuation fund, we believe integrating ESG factors into our investment philosophy is consistent with better investment outcomes and contributes to a more sustainable future for our members and all Australians," said Patrick.

"With more than 25 years' experience embedding sustainable thinking and practices within organisations, Nicole will play a pivotal role in helping build on Australian Retirement Trust's work in the rapidly maturing space of responsible investment.

Patrick stressed that the role was critical as the Queensland-based superannuation fund builds on the combined capability and strength of the wider investment team.

Bradford will commence her new role next month.