PGIM, the $1.5 trillion investment management business of global insurance and financial services company Prudential Financial, announced today the appointment of Eugenia Unanyants-Jackson to the newly created role of Global Head of ESG.
In her new position, Unanyants-Jackson will have responsibility for shaping and coordinating ESG strategy and approach across the firm, and engaging with clients, consultants, regulators, and industry associations, in addition to chairing the PGIM ESG Council.
Taimur Hyat, PGIM’s chief operating officer, said:
“PGIM’s multi-manager model allows for each business to integrate ESG considerations optimally for their specific asset class and investment style. However, in recognition of the critical importance of ESG across our client base, we want to invest in further enriching our ESG expertise, research, analytical capabilities, and industry leadership across PGIM. With over a decade and a half of specialist expertise in sustainable investing and ESG, Eugenia not only brings an incredible breadth of knowledge, but also true leadership in the investment management industry as we drive new ways of thinking about ESG analysis, integration and engagement.”
Since joining the firm in 2020 as Head of ESG Research for PGIM Fixed Income, Unanyants-Jackson led the development of the ESG Impact Ratings tool to help clients invest according to their ESG preferences, and oversaw the first publication of PGIM Fixed Income’s ESG Annual Report. Prior to joining PGIM, she served as Global Head of ESG Research at Allianz Global Investors, and as Head of Corporate Governance at BMO Global Asset Management, EMEA.
Unanyants-Jackson said:
“Given PGIM’s global scale and footprint, we have immense potential to make a positive impact and address many of today’s ESG challenges. I am thrilled for the opportunity to further advance PGIM’s ESG strategy and leverage our existing and in certain cases longstanding ESG capabilities to help our investors meet their sustainability objectives in coordination with each of PGIM’s businesses.”
PGIM also announced the appointments of John Ploeg and Armelle de Vienne as co-Heads of ESG Research for PGIM Fixed Income. Ploeg has been with PGIM since 2013, and has been serving as an ESG Specialist since 2020. de Vienne joined PGIM in July 2021 from Rockefeller Capital Management, and has been serving as Vice President, US Team Lead – ESG Research.
Mike Lillard, head of PGIM Fixed Income, said:
“We’re pleased to have John and Armelle take the helm leading ESG research for PGIM Fixed Income. Our credit analysts, investment teams and clients will undoubtedly benefit from their combined experience and continued efforts to grow our ESG capabilities. The ability to promote from within speaks to our talent model and the caliber of individuals driving our investment process. John and Armelle bring continuity to our ESG approach, a critical component as we partner with clients to invest in accordance with their ESG beliefs and objectives.”
