AXA Group’s alternative investments business AXA IM Alts announced today the appointment of Laurent Lavergne as Global Head of Sustainability. The firm said that the newly created role reflects the critical role that sustainable investment and decarbonization will play in driving future client returns.

In his new position, Lavergne will oversee the company’s sustainability strategy across all of its business lines, including Real Estate, Infrastructure, Alternative Credit, and Natural Capital & Impact Investments, while serving as a voting member of the investment committee for direct investments.

One Lavergne’s main priorities will be overseeing the successful implementation of AXA IM Alts’ ambitious decarbonization strategy, based on the pillars of reducing, avoiding and sequestering carbon, and focused particularly on the firm’s direct investments in Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Natural Capital Sectors.

He will also take over the responsibilities of current Global Head of Responsible Investment, Justin Travlos, who is leaving the business towards the end of 2023.

Lavergne has been at AXA IM Alts for almost 20 years, most recently serving as Global Head of Asset Management & Development within the Real Estate business line.

He will report directly to Isabelle Scemama, Global Head of AXA IM Alts.

Scemama said:

“Laurent has a strong track record of overseeing complex investment projects and strategies, and his deep-rooted understanding of our business and extensive experience managing our global sustainable development platform will be invaluable in his new role. His appointment marks a critical point in the acceleration of our decarbonisation strategy across our business lines, as we continue to protect our investments, mitigate against climate risk and advance our market leading approach in this field.”