Barclays announced today the appointment of Marie Freier as Global Co-Head of Sustainable and Impact Investment Banking (SIB).

In her new role, alongside Co-Head Brian Reilly, Freier will help support Barclays clients as they navigate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Barclays said that the appoint will enable the bank to work with more clients, and provide more senior management resources in EMEA, complementing Reilly’s base in the Americas.

Travis Barnes, Global Head of Financial Sponsors and Sustainable and Impact Investment Banking, said:

“The transition to a low-carbon economy along with the wider focus on sustainability will present significant opportunities and challenges for our corporate and institutional clients – across every sector of the economy – over the coming decades. As we seek to advise clients on how best to capture opportunities and proactively tackle challenges, Marie’s appointment alongside Brian will bring expanded capabilities and resources to our team.

Freier joined Barclays in 2021, and has been serving as Global Head of Cross Asset ESG Research, leading the bank’s ESG research efforts, and building a global team of dedicated ESG subject matter experts to work alongside Barclays’ Research Analysts in assessing the impact of ESG issues on financial risks and valuations. Prior to joining Barclays, she worked for 14 years at Sanford Bernstein’s, most recently as Co-Head of European Sales and Global Head of ESG.

The appointment forms part of Barclays investments in building out its sustainable finance team, including the recent appointment of Daniel Hanna as Global Head of Sustainable Finance for the Corporate and Investment Bank.

Barnes added:

“Marie and Brian will make a formidable leadership for our global SIB franchise, and I’m excited about our ability to advance our leadership position in differentiated Investment Banking ESG coverage.”