IFM hires responsible investing head

IFM Investors, a private markets manager owned by superannuation funds, has appointed Maria Nazarova-Doyle as head of sustainable investment.

Nazarova-Doyle joins from UK-based pensions company Scottish Widows, where she was head of responsible investments and stewardship.

At IFM, Nazarova-Doyle will lead the firm's global sustainable investment team, focusing on implementing and measuring sustainability initiatives across the business's growing global portfolio.

She will report to Luba Nikulina, who joined IFM as chief strategy officer in September last year.

Before joining Scottish Widows three years ago, Nazarova-Doyle held senior positions at Mercer and JLT Employee Benefits. At the former, she was principal and market engagement leader in its defined contribution and individual wealth business. At the latter, she ran DC Investments.

Nazarova-Doyle sits on the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association board and its policy committee. She is also an active member of the PMI Advisory Council, ABI Climate Change and Stewardship Working Groups,

Nikulina said: Nazarova-Doyle joins IFM at a crucial moment in our industry's adoption of more sustainable investing processes, as clients continue to focus on both the opportunities and challenges of climate change and energy security.

"Maria's in-depth experience and technical knowledge of investment stewardship helps strengthen our broader sustainable investment team and will support our clients in achieving their investment objectives."

Said Nazarova-Doyle: "There is real opportunity for global investment managers to deliver returns for clients while also embedding sustainable investment practices into their decision-making."

"Positive change is urgently required in the real economy and IFM Investors' position as one of the leading private market investors is an unrivalled platform to help create a more sustainable future."