Aegon UK appoints new Head of Responsible Investment

22 July 2021

Aegon UK publishes: “Aegon UK has appointed Hilkka Komulainen to the newly created position of Head of Responsible Investment. Hilkka will head up the newly established responsible investment team and be responsible for driving forward Aegon’s responsible investment proposition for the workplace and retail investment business. This will include progressing the integration of ESG factors into investment decision making.

Hilkka has wide experience in responsible investment, sustainability and policy issues, having worked at Principles for Responsible Investment, EY and most recently overseeing the integration of ESG into the investment strategy at IH International Advisors, part of the investment group Interogo Holding AG.

The new role underlines Aegon’s long-term commitment to integrate sustainability and responsible business principles into investment decisions and follows the pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions across workplace default funds by 2050.

Hilkka’s appointment adds to Aegon’s growing Investment Solutions team, bolstered earlier this year through the appointment of Lorna Blyth to Investment Proposition Director. The team oversees a total of £186bn* across the company’s business lines. Aegon launched its Risk Managed Portfolios in 2020, the company’s first multi-wrapper OEIC range for financial advisers.

Hilkka will report into Lorna Blyth, Investment Proposition Director at Aegon.

Commenting on the appointment, Tim Orton, Managing Director for Investment Solutions said:

“As both asset owner and steward of customers’ assets, we are committed to supporting Aegon’s responsible business strategy through long-term sustainable investing. We’re delighted to welcome Hilkka to Aegon and the new role highlights our ambition to drive forward our responsible investment agenda and integrate ESG into decision making. Hilkka’s expertise in responsible investing will strengthen our investment credentials and support progression towards our long-term targets.”

Hilkka Komulainen, Head of Responsible Investment at Aegon comments:

“I’m delighted to join Aegon and progress the integration of responsible investment strategies throughout the business as we seek to have a positive impact on the environment and society and explore new opportunities to serve our customers interests.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of the investment team as we work towards Aegon’s long-term commitments and help raise standards of corporate and environmental responsibility through our investment proposition and fund offerings.””

Source: Aegon UK