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Risk in Context Podcast: Focus on sustainability transforming private equity investment strategies

As they navigate a rapidly evolving investment landscape, many private equity (PE) firms are putting sustainability at the core of their growth strategies.

04/11/2024 · 2 minute read

As they navigate a rapidly evolving investment landscape, many private equity (PE) firms are putting sustainability at the core of their growth strategies. Increased regulatory pressure, together with a heightened demand for transparency related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, often requires PE firms and other investors to reevaluate traditional investment approaches.

At the same time, the growing market for sustainable investments means that PE firms that embed sustainability into their portfolio optimisation strategies may be able to enhance long-term value, while also contributing to building a more resilient and equitable future.

In this episode of Risk in Context, Alex Ackermann, Marsh’s Private Equity and Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Leader for North America, speaks with Dr. Beverley Adams, Consulting Director within Marsh Advisory’s Global Climate Centre of Excellence, and Vanessa Hodge, Mercer’s Sustainability Integration Leader in the UK. They discuss what the increased focus on sustainability means for investors, the risks and opportunities they should look out for, and actions they can take to address an evolving risk landscape while creating value within their portfolio.

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Key takeaways

Sustainability being embedded in investment strategies

Aware that sustainable investments can enhance long-term value, many PE firms are increasingly embedding sustainability into their investment and portfolio optimisation strategies and even recruiting subject matter experts to help them enhance their investment strategies.

Investment strategies undergoing a transformation

The demand for nature-based solutions and impact investing is rising, prompting PE firms to make investments that not only generate financial returns, but also aim to deliver positive social and environmental outcomes.

Comprehensive due diligence remains critical

As PE firms integrate sustainability into their investment strategy, effective due diligence processes are required to assess climate risks and opportunities and determine whether potential investments are resilient and aligned with long-term sustainability goals.

About our speakers

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Alexander Ackermann

North America Private Equity and M&A Services Practice Leader

  • United States

Alex Ackermann is the leader of Marsh’s Private Equity and M&A Services Group, based in the New York office. In this role, his responsibilities include the oversight of development and coordination of private equity relationships, due diligence support, structuring portfolio programmes, and providing transitional oversight between pre- and post-close insurance issues. He has more than 15 years of experience in the risk and insurance brokerage industry, advising on a wide range of topics specific to private equity and alternative asset investors. His experience spans the transaction lifecycle from pre-acquisition diligence to transactional liability solutions, as well as structuring and managing portfolio programmes globally.

Dr. Beverley Adams

Dr. Beverley Adams

Head of Client Engagement and Consulting Director, Strategic Risk Practice, Marsh Advisory

  • United Kingdom

Dr. Bev Adams leads the ESG and climate consulting services within Marsh’s Advisory practice. She is an internationally recognised specialist in property flood resilience (PFR) and adaptation, establishing Flood Re’s nationwide event response programme and driving change via the UK Government’s PFR Roundtable business adoption pathway. She worked for the World Bank before joining Marsh McLennan in 2012 and has a PhD in coastal risk management from University College London.

Vanessa Hodge

Vanessa Hodge

Sustainability Integration Leader, Mercer

  • United Kingdom

Vanessa Hodge is a Partner in Mercer’s investment consulting business and is Mercer UK’s Sustainability Integration Lead. In this role, she is enhancing Mercer’s delivery of sustainable investment advice to asset owners across Mercer’s advisory and fiduciary businesses. She works alongside Mercer’s specialist global Sustainable Investment team to ensure Mercer’s research, thought leadership, and advice is relevant to the needs of the UK asset owner market. She has over 22 years of experience within the pensions and investment industry. She is a fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and is the Chair of the Association of Consulting Actuaries’ Investment Committee.

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