International savings and investments business M&G plc today announced the appointment of Kathy Ryan to the newly created role of Chief Sustainability Officer.

In her new position, Ryan will lead M&G’s Group Sustainability Strategy, including embedding sustainability across the business and driving real-world change as a responsible long-term investor. She will join in November and report to Chief Financial Officer, Kathryn McLeland.

McLeland said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Kathy to M&G. The depth of her technical expertise and wealth of experience progressing sustainable investing makes her ideal to drive our sustainability strategy forward.”

Ryan joins M&G from Irish Life Investment Management (ILIM) where she served as Head of Responsible Investment, building and leading a team of specialists to advance ESG integration and stewardship across asset classes. She has also held senior global research, risk management and product development roles at firms including Amundi, Aviva Investors, Credit Agricole and JP Morgan, and founded ESG investment research and analytics firm Global Green Investments.  In addition, she chaired the CDP Ireland Network, launched the 30% Investor Initiative Ireland on Diversity and contributed to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan.

Ryan said:

 “Our industry has an immense role to play in improving sustainable outcomes achieved and financing the transition to net zero. I look forward to working with my colleagues to build on M&G’s existing capabilities and progress its approach to sustainability.”