Investec announced today the appointment by its alternative investment platform, Investec Alternative Investment Management (IAIM), of Alicia Forry as Head of ESG, Alternative Investments.

In her new role, Forry will help to embed a responsible investing framework and series of processes across Investec’s private market credit strategies, integrating ESG considerations throughout the direct lending process, and helping companies to understand opportunities to improve material ESG factors.

Callum Bell, Director at IAIM and Head of Direct Lending, said:

“Alicia’s expertise will be invaluable to our team – helping us to embed ESG considerations into every stage of our investment process. At a time when the sustainability credentials of a business are increasingly under scrutiny, we believe that top ESG performers have an increased edge in delivering long-term value creation for shareholders.”

Forry joined Investec in 2017, and has most recently been serving as Consumer Analyst & Head of UK Equity ESG Product & Deputy Head of Research. She also serves as a member of Investec’s Sustainable Business Forum, which was set up to help co-ordinate efforts across the organization to support clients in the transition to a net-zero economy.  

Forry said:

“It is a pleasure to join the IAIM team and continue working within the mid-market to enhance its ESG credentials – building on Investec’s expertise in this area. Our research recently found that 7 in 10 mid-market firms in the UK are currently planning, implementing, or have already implemented an ESG strategy – with the majority believing it makes their business more attractive to potential acquirers and investors. I look forward to working with corporates committed to developing their ESG credentials and unlocking the various layers of unrealised value they can provide investors.”