Australian Unity makes first ESG hire

Australian Unity has named Matthew Moore as its first head of responsible investment and stewardship.

This appointment supports the wealth and investment platform's ambition to become a leader in corporate sustainability, responsible investment, and stewardship practices.

Moreover, the creation of the new role follows the release of the Australian Unity's first dedicated Impact Report in 2021.

Moore joins from Uniting Financial Services where most recently, he held the role of head of ethical investments.

There, he oversaw more than $1.7 billion in assets and was responsible for building and managing the organisation's responsible investment program across multiple asset classes and investment mandates.

Moore was also part of the team that issued the first sustainable development goal bond by an Australian not-for-profit.

Before his time at Uniting Financial, he held senior roles in the banking and financial services sector.

He worked as a senior trader in the interest rate derivatives market for the Commonwealth Bank and McIntosh Securities.

Joe Fernandes, chief investment officer at Australian Unity, said Moore's appointment would enable Australian Unity to maximise positive social and environmental impact through its products and services.

"Rather than merely adopting current market practices in these areas, our strategy will be to create a unique and compelling approach to responsible investment and stewardship across its many spheres of operation," he said.

"For our investors, this means greater opportunity to drive positive social impact as well as superior long-term investment outcomes.

"Australian Unity's responsible investment and environmental, social, and governance capabilities will benefit greatly from Matthew's strong track record and credentials.

"Australian Unity's vision is to lead the adoption of responsible practices across the industries we operate in, supporting a sustainable future where more Australians benefit.

"In this newly-created role, Matthew's expertise will be instrumental in achieving this."

Moore said he was excited to lead the delivery of responsible investment practices across Australian Unity's wealth and capital markets platform.