Maria Loyez joins Australian Ethical from Volt Bank, bringing more than 20 years’ international and strategic commercial experience to the role of chief customer officer. Marion Enander will take the newly created role of chief strategy and innovation officer. Both will report to CEO John McMurdo.
“Even before the world was gripped by the pandemic crisis, Australians were beginning to seek us out in record numbers because they understand that what they do with their money is not disconnected from the world we live in,” Mr McMurdo said. “Our challenge is to continue this phenomenal success, especially as others seek to replicate what we do.
“And so, I’m delighted with Maria and Marion’s appointments. I’m certain their experience, knowledge and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow Australian Ethical into one of the most impactful and trusted fund managers in Australia.”
Ms Loyez previously held the role of chief customer officer at Volt Bank, and has held the position of chief marketing officer at SocietyOne and OFX as well as lead marketing roles with AMP, Virgin and Optus. She was named Marketing Professional of the Year by Women in Finance in 2018. Ms Enander has been consulting on strategy at Australian Ethical since 2019, and has held the role of general manager at Perpetual and director at Credit Suisse in London, along with other strategy consulting roles.
“With its recent stellar investment performance, Australian Ethical challenges – and dispels – the myth that ethical investing is just about doing the right thing,” Ms Loyez said. “Its history is rooted in a desire to create a better future for everyone and I couldn’t be more excited about [helping grow] the business and ethical investing.”
The appointments mean Australian Ethical now has full gender parity across its board and gender equality in its senior management team.
“I think it’s particularly significant that Australian Ethical is one of just 20 ASX 300 companies to achieve full gender equality at both [board and C-suite] levels,” Mr McMurdo said. “These appointments underline our focus on delivering market-leading investments while maintaining our fundamental commitment to doing it the right way, which includes embracing diversity and inclusion at every level.”
