Q&A with Mercer's new Senior Responsible Investment Consultant
Alexis Cheang has been appointed to the role of senior responsible investment consultant within Mercer's responsible investment team. Having worked in sustainable investing across three continents, Alexis tells Industry Moves "there is so much potential...for new products that deliver returns and contribute to a more sustainable economy."
Alexis Cheang has been appointed to the role of senior responsible investment consultant within Mercer's responsible investment team. Having worked in sustainable investing across three continents, Alexis tells Industry Moves "there is so much potential...for new products that deliver returns and contribute to a more sustainable economy."
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
Working with investment clients in the Pacific Region to develop and implement sustainable investment strategies that are right for them and their members and stakeholders
How will it most differ from your previous role?
Most of our responsible investment clients are asset owners who work with external investment managers to manage their assets. It will be interesting to see which investment managers are able to meet our clients' needs in terms of integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues into the investment process and developing solutions that meet our clients' sustainable investment needs.
Culturally, how does working in the UK and/or the US differ from working in Australia?
Everyone I've met in responsible investment in Australia has been extremely friendly and keen to work with Mercer and other responsible investors to develop more sustainable capital markets and a sustainable economy. Although there is still a degree of healthy competition, unlike in some other markets, this hasn't really prevented us from working together on common issues
What skill do you think is paramount in working in the financial services industry?
Active listening and being willing to think outside the box.
Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? And why?
I'd consider myself an extrovert. I love working with other passionate people and developing and refining ideas with them. There is so much potential in responsible investment for new products that deliver returns and contribute to a more sustainable economy. Those ideas will emerge most clearly when we work together.
What was your very first job?
I worked as a project manager managing translation projects in New York City. I got very good at reading reports in Portuguese.
Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?
I don't know if you'd call it a secret skill but I have a very wide network of friends and contacts around the world. I've gotten very good at networking people to one another when changing countries or even just travelling abroad.
