The Responsible Investment Advisory Board has been established to provide strategic guidance to the BVCA. The Board comprises investors, intermediaries and sustainability/responsible investment practitioners recognised for their excellence, experience and insight.
Board Members:
Wol Kolade (Chairman) - ISIS
Anna Bacon - Waterman Energy, Environment and Design
Ludo Bammens - KKR
Jon Williams - PricewaterhouseCoopers
John Gripton - Capital Dynamics
Susan Flynn - Hermes Private Equity (Representing Private Equity Investors Association)
Michele Giddens - Bridges Ventures
Jeremy Lytle - ECI
Guy Paisner, Stephen Marquardt - Doughty Hanson
Mike Powell, David Russell - USS
Mark Wade - Future Considerations
Wol Kolade, Chairman of the BVCA Responsible Investment Board, said: "Private equity and venture capital firms invest in companies across a range of sectors, employing many thousands of people. As an important part of the economic mainstream it is therefore critical we deepen the engagement of private equity and venture capital companies towards sustainability and responsible investing. We recognise that responsible ownership and business success go hand in hand. This is why we have created a Responsible Investment Board to assist the BVCA in being able to provide practical advice to its members to help them incorporate responsible investment considerations into their business decisions."
Mike Powell (USS) and Susan Flynn (Hermes), both Directors of the Private Equity -Investors Association, said: "As LPs we expect that environmental, social and governance issues are appropriately managed by our GPs. The BVCA's Responsible Investment Board will provide guidance to PE and VC firms on how to incorporate these issues into both their investment decisions and management of assets, helping both to manage risks and improve long term returns".
Simon Walker, BVCA Chief Executive, said "This is an exciting development for the BVCA. We will shortly be launching a research initiative to help gauge the level of activity our members are conducting in this important area. We also look forward to hosting a forum for our members later this year to further discuss how environmental, social and governance issues are impacting upon the private equity and venture capital community."
For further information please contact:
Nathan Williams, BVCA: 020 7025 2967
Notes to Editors
1. The BVCA - The British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, is the industry body for the UK private equity and venture capital industry. The BVCA has over 450 member firms, representing the overwhelming number of UK-based private equity and venture capital firms and their advisers.
