Yarra hires ESG expert

Yarra Capital Management has welcomed its inaugural chief sustainability officer.

Erin Kuo will lead Yarra's corporate sustainability efforts and work closely with the fund's investment teams to support best practise environment, social and governance (integration into investment processes.

Before joining Yarra, Kuo ran a consulting business, advising fund managers and family offices on ESG matters.

She was previously chief impact officer at Impact Investment Group and held senior positions in Impact Investing Australia and Pacific Corporate Group, the world's largest cleantech private equity investor.

There, she led projects in the US, India and Australia.

Kuo has previously worked as a university researcher and lecturer on sustainability measurement and social impact, and has led social enterprise and impact investing projects for the Victorian Government and the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia.

Earlier in her career she worked as a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley, building and leading community development and environmental advocacy for non-profits in the US.

She has a BA in Environmental Science from the University of California, a PhD from Monash University and is a previous adjunct fellow at the Centre for Social Impact at Swinburne University.

Yarra Capital executive chair and head of Australian equities Dion said there has never been greater focus on ESG and sustainability matters in financial markets and Kuo's deep experience will significantly benefit the investment solutions and expertise the fund can offer to clients.

"We are incredibly excited to be welcoming Erin to Yarra."

Kuo, added that she is "incredibly passionate" about deepening positive impact for people and the planet and excited to now be working with Yarra's investment teams to build out its sustainability capabilities and tools.