Ian Burger

Currently Head of Stewardship and Integration at Universities Superannuation Scheme (Ltd), Ian joined Newton Investment Management in 1998 and was appointed as its first Head of Corporate Governance and, latterly, was the Head of Responsible Investment.

During his 24 years with the firm, Ian developed and expanded, globally, Newton’s approach to responsible investment, which included determining the house views and approaches in relation to environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. As Head of Responsible Investment, Ian was responsible for ESG considerations throughout Newton’s investment process. This included establishing, implementing and communicating all ESG policies, principles, engagement, voting and research.

Aided by his team of Responsible Investment Analysts, Stewardship Analysts and ESG Data Analysts, together with the wider investment staff; Newton conducted investment research on ESG matters, engaged with companies, reported on stewardship activities and made active voting decisions, globally. In addition, Ian played a key role in determining Newton’s approach to sustainable investment and the evolution of fund strategies. Ian is also involved in shaping the debate on matters relating to ESG and stewardship through his membership of a variety of formal and informal groups.

Ian is a member of an Investment Committee and is a director and Trustee of a UK-based charity.

Ian Burger

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Ian Burger

Will Farrell

Federated Hermes
Assistant Manager, EOS
London

Will co-leads the climate change theme at EOS, the stewardship arm of Federated Hermes Limited, where his coverage includes companies in Europe and Australia, primarily financial services, energy, chemicals, and materials. Prior to joining EOS, Will worked in the energy and infrastructure investment banking team at Macquarie Capital, where he specialised in renewable energy. Before that, Will held a number of roles across the UK climate policy space, including as a parliamentary researcher for Rt. Hon. Chris Skidmore MP on climate and energy issues, and as a climate and economic policy analyst at a diplomatic institute. He was appointed as a voluntary adviser to Rt. Hon. Alok Sharma MP, President of COP26, on preparations for COP26 after co-founding a Westminster climate policy group in 2019, which engaged MPs and Members of the House of Lords to advocate for more ambition on climate action in public policy. Will has a Bachelor’s degree (1st Class Honours) in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.