Downing LLP is pleased to announce the appointment of Roger Lewis to the newly created role of Head of ESG. Roger joins Downing from River and Mercantile where he was Group Head of ESG and was responsible for implementing and overseeing the group’s ESG philosophy and core principles across its investment divisions. In his new role, Roger will lead Downing’s ESG strategy, reporting to James Weaver, Chief Operating Officer. 

James Weaver, COO, comments: 

We are delighted to welcome Roger to the Downing team – I am sure that we will benefit greatly from his wealth of experience in ESG strategy, governance, integration to investment and engagement activities, and reporting across quoted and unquoted markets. Having worked and communicated with investors across a range of asset classes as well as a deep understanding of ESG issues, Roger will play a key part in developing exciting ESG opportunities for our investors. As a business we are committed to placing ESG factors at the heart of everything we do and he will play a key role driving that agenda across our funds, investment trusts and tax-efficient products within our principal business areas of renewable energy, infrastructure, property, and healthcare.”  

Roger Lewis says: 

“Having witnessed ESG go from Chief Investment Officers describing it as ‘something we are not doing’ in 2017, to being a game changer in asset management led by climate change, the number of ESG stakeholder expectations, roles, funds, tools, reports and associations continues to rapidly expand. 

Capitalising on this opportunity, while avoiding the risk, requires many approaches. This is a critical time for ESG, transitioning from nascent to well established to various possible scenarios of future outcomes. 

I feel privileged to be joining Downing to lead their response to this revolution and I look forward to working with their talented team to meet the future liabilities that our clients are saving for today.” 

Prior to joining River and Mercantile, Roger previously worked at Aviva Investors, where his responsibilities included aligning ESG strategy and factors with investment functions across its £47.3bn Real Assets platform. He has completed the UN Principles of Responsible Investment programme, holds the CFA UK Diploma in Investment Management (ESG) and has passed Level 1 of the Chartered Financial Analyst programme. Roger is also a passionate advocate for limiting climate change to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.  

Downing LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 545025).  Registered in England and Wales (No. OC341575). Registered Office: 6th Floor, St Magnus House, 3 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6HD.