Gresham House, a prominent alternative asset manager, has appointed Hyewon Kong as its new Sustainable Investment Director. Based in London, Kong will spearhead the firm’s sustainable investment team and strategy, focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives across various investment strategies.

Kong brings over 20 years of experience in sustainable investing, having worked in Asia, Europe, and North America. Before joining Gresham House, she served as the head of responsible investing at the Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO), where she was instrumental in integrating ESG factors across multiple asset classes. Her previous roles include assistant vice president and head of ESG at AGF Investments, where she managed global sustainable and impact investing strategies.

In addition to her professional experience, Kong has been active on several boards and committees. She has served on the Investment Committee at The Atmospheric Fund and the Environmental Finance Advisory Committee at the University of Toronto. Currently, she is a director at the University of British Columbia Investment Management and co-founder and chair of the Canadian Responsible Investment Working Group, showcasing her leadership in the sustainable investment sector.

Kong expressed her enthusiasm about joining Gresham House, stating, “I am proud to be joining a firm investing in the transition to a more sustainable economy.” She highlighted the firm’s track record in transformative sectors and its commitment to generating attractive financial returns while advancing the sustainable investment agenda.

Tony Dalwood, CEO of Gresham House, praised Kong’s extensive experience and her ability to build and lead sustainable investment portfolios. He emphasized that her global experience with institutional investors will be invaluable as Gresham House aims to become the preferred manager for sustainable investment solutions and accelerate its growth.

This appointment comes at a time when sustainable investing is gaining momentum, with firms increasingly focusing on responsible investment strategies. The debut edition of Funds Europe’s Carbon Impact Research Report 2024 highlights key trends in decarbonization projects, carbon footprints, and sustainable fund allocations among European asset management firms.

Overall, Kong’s appointment is a strategic move for Gresham House as it seeks to enhance its sustainable investment capabilities and align with the growing demand for responsible investment solutions.