People Moves Roundup
SEB welcomes back a former employee, Callan makes a new ESG position, and more.
PASA Appoints David Pharo as Board Director
PASA announced the appointment of Aon’s David Pharo as board director. Pharo fills the space on the board created by Margaret Snowdon, who moved to the newly created non-executive role of president in January.
“David’s insight on what is required to deliver high-quality administration—and the potential challenges—from both the trustee and administrator perspective will go a long way in helping us further support our members and develop new resources,” said Kim Gubler, PASA chair.
Pharo has 30 years’ experience in the pensions industry and is currently client relationship manager at Aon, where he has held a range of roles over the past 22 years
“The administration landscape has evolved hugely in recent years and, since its inception, I for one have continually felt the value of PASA’s guidance and resources during times of change,” Pharo said.
Javiera Ragnartz Named CEO of SEB Investment Management
SEB has appointed Javiera Ragnartz its new CEO of SEB Investment Management AB and head of division investment management.
She most recently worked as head of asset management at pension company AMF.
Prior to this, she held positions at Riksbanken and headed the fund management company at Handelsbanken. She has also held various management positions at SEB.
“Javiera Ragnartz has broad and deep asset management competence and I am happy to greet her welcome back to SEB,” said SEB’s President and CEO Johan Torgeby. “Her task is to strengthen SEB’s fund management offering and continue to develop sustainable investment products.”
SEB Investment Management AB develops and manages a wide range of investment funds for corporate, institutional, and private clients. SEB’s total assets under management were $197.9 billion as of December 31, 2018.
Ragnartz will assume her position at SEB during the summer of 2019.
XPS Pensions Group Announces New Senior Hire
XPS Pensions Group (XPS) announced the appointment of Robert Evans as a principal. Evans joins from Mercer, where he was providing strategic advice to trustees.
Robert joined XPS on Feb. 4 and will be based in the London office.
“Pension schemes are going through a huge volume of change and need the right support, expertise, and advice,” said Paul Cuff, CEO at XPS Pensions Group.
“My breadth of experience and exposure to schemes, including some of the largest in the UK, across a wide-range of sectors means I can help trustees resolve the concerns and the challenges many are facing,” said Evans.
Callan Creates ESG Practice Leader Role
Callan, has promoted Anna West to the role of senior vice president, ESG practice leader, effective Feb. 1, 2019. She will report to the firm’s head of Fund Sponsor Consulting, Millie Viqueira, and continue to be based in the firm’s Denver office. Her previous title was senior vice president, co-manager of the Published Research Group.
“Anna has been instrumental in leading Callan’s efforts in the area of ESG investing for some time now,” said Callan President James Callahan, CFA. “We are looking forward to having Anna expand on these efforts to help us proactively address the emerging educational needs and interests of our clients and prospective clients.”
West will collaborate with Callan’s fund sponsor consultants to provide education and perspective on current ESG trends, issues, and considerations to clients as well as to the broader investment community.
“Some of our clients and their beneficiaries are interested in ESG investing and want to understand their options as they consider applying an ESG framework to their investment portfolios,” said Viqueira. “We are creating this role to support our clients and provide them with guidance, thought leadership, and thoughtful, applicable research. Given her depth of knowledge and experience in this area, Anna is the perfect person to lead these efforts.”
West joined Callan in 2006 and has been dedicated to research and education in roles with the Callan Institute and Published Research Group. She is also a member of Callan’s diverse and emerging manager committee and is a shareholder of the firm.