JANA appoints head of sustainability

Investment consultancy JANA has appointed risk expert Rachel Halpern as head of sustainability.

Halpern spent the last 18 months with Westpac as executive manager of risk. She was previously regulatory counsel for State Street, covering Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

JANA principal consultant Duncan Smith said, "JANA has been steadily expanding our capabilities in the sustainability space in recent years. We are thrilled to have someone with Rachel's unique skillset and international perspective on board to ensure we deliver not only exceptional investment outcomes for clients but also superior sustainability outcomes."

In her new role, Halpern will help develop investment strategies while minimising regulatory and fiduciary risk through ESG.

Halpern, who started her career in corporate law, holding roles with Optus and Clayton Utz, also spent time with the Financial Conduct Authority's financial crime division in London. She said that she looks forward to helping improve, support, and implement JANA's sustainable investment practices. "I have dedicated my career to working to drive a real shift in fostering ethical and resilient financial systems. JANA is already leading the way in sustainable investment practices, and as Australia's largest investment consultancy has the scale to truly influence the future for the industry."