Vanguard Group, one of the largest fund companies in the world, announced the creation of a new senior role, hiring Fong Yee Chan as Head of ESG Strategy for the UK and Europe. In her new role, Chan will have responsibility for evolving Vanguard’s approach to ESG in Europe, ensuring it meets the long-term needs of the firm’s clients.

Sean Hagerty, Head of Vanguard, Europe, said:

“The ESG landscape is evolving rapidly with new regulation, an increasing number of investment offerings and different perspectives on the best way to approach ESG.

“Vanguard’s approach to ESG is expansive, nuanced and focused on maximising long-term value for investors. As many investors look to us to both safeguard and grow their investments, Vanguard approaches ESG through our thoughtful offering of investment products, integrating ESG considerations throughout our investment processes, and our investment stewardship activities across our fund range.”

Chan joins Vanguard after nearly four years at global index, data and analytics provider FTSE Russell, most recently serving as Director, EMEA Sustainable Investment Product, where she led the firm’s EMEA Sustainable Investment ETF product strategy and development, and Implemented approaches to effectively support the Sustainable Investment ETF business. She also served as ESG Product Director for alternative asset management technology solutions provider eFront, and as Senior Manager, Private equity, Infrastructure and Property for Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).

Chan will be based in London and report to Matthew Piro, head of the Portfolio Review Department, Europe.

Hagerty added:

“I am delighted that Fong Yee has joined Vanguard. Her deep ESG expertise will help accelerate our efforts to inform investors about our perspective on ESG topics, and we will continue to seek ways to deliver value to investors.”