MLC Life hires from U Ethical

A former U Ethical Investors' ethics and impact manager has landed at MLC Life Insurance as a sustainability manager.

In the new role, Desiree Lucchese will help advance, refine, and implement the insurer's broad sustainability strategy and action plans.

Lucchese has joined a team led by MLC Life operating chief Jane Murray and Mark Powell, general manager of sustainability and corporate affairs. Powell sits at the intersection of public policy and corporate reputation.

"Welcome to our team Desiree! We are so excited that you have joined MLC," he posted on social media.

Lucchese left U Ethical last December after a three-year stint.

While at the investment house, she led the integration of ESG data and the UN Sustainable Development Goals into the investment process and managed the firm's active stewardship activities with portfolio companies, key stakeholders, and industry peers.

With a background in climate science, sustainability best practice and infrastructure planning, Lucchese worked for the EU Commission, the UK's Capital Markets Union and the UN Global Compact's Cities Program.

Before arriving at U Ethical, she worked as an ESG consultant with MSCI and Urban Systems Advisory at AECOM, the infrastructure consulting firm.

A technical expert group advisor to the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia's certification program and policy advocacy working group, she has also been involved with, the Investor Group on Climate Change and Investors Against Slavery and Trafficking.

Lucchese has also held numerous board directorships addressing climate and ethics, including the UK Climate Disclosure Standards Board and Environmental Investment Organisation.

As for U Ethical, Rachel Alembakis joined as stewardship manager in March.

In this role, Alembakis is responsible for the ethical fund manager's active ownership and engagement work, including proxy voting and leading company engagements on behalf of the fund manager.

Previously, Alembakis was the founder and managing editor of FS Sustainability, the ISS Media publication covering how companies and investors integrate ESG into their strategies.