In a statement, New Forests said it had appointed Jo Saleeba, former IGCC CEO and HESTA responsible investment manager, to the role.
“Responsible for building on New Forests’ position as a global leader in sustainable forestry, Jo will continue to develop the company’s sustainability and impact framework and focus on how opportunities in natural climate solutions, biodiversity conservation and the circular bioeconomy can create value for investors, the environment and communities,” the asset manager said.
“She will engage investors in scaling impact through the deployment of capital to sustainable forestry and landscape management.”
New Forests said it had also appointed a new head of communications, former BNY Mellon Investment Management communications lead Lauren Stewart.
“Lauren will proactively drive a global communications strategy to grow investor engagement with New Forests’ investment strategies and track record and to increase the recognition of forestry investment as a climate change and sustainable development solution,” the group said.
Both new recruits would report to managing director impact and advocacy Radha Kuppalli.
“We are excited to bring Jo and Lauren on board and form a new business group which reflects the critical importance of sustainability, communications, thought leadership and advocacy to New Forests’ investment performance and growth,” Ms Kuppalli said.
“Scaling investment in sustainable forestry can mitigate climate change and protect biodiversity, accelerate the transition to a circular bioeconomy, and support rural livelihoods. The impact and advocacy group will work across New Forests to support the achievement of these outcomes as a company and as an industry.”
