UK-based sustainable investment management firm EdenTree has strengthened its £743 million (US$956.4 million) EdenTree Responsible & Sustainable European Equity fund with the appointment of Lauren Smith as Associate Fund Manager. Smith joins EdenTree following almost two years as global equity analyst at fellow UK-based investment manager Rathbones, which recently named David Cox as head of Greenbank – its specialist ethical, sustainable and impact investment team. At EdenTree, Smith will work closely with Chris Hiorns, Lead Manager of EdenTree’s European equities strategy and Head of multi-asset and European equities. The fund aims to achieve long-term capital growth over five years or more, generating its income through a diversified portfolio of European companies that make a positive contribution to society and the environment through sustainable and socially responsible practices. “As strategies grow, is it important that we continue to add fresh talent and support to our investment teams,” said Charlie Thomas, CIO at EdenTree. “Lauren is a natural fit for [us], bringing with her a wealth of fresh insight and experience of generating attractive long-term investment ideas.” This year, EdenTree has made a number of appointments to strengthen its responsible investing credentials, including a head of responsible investment, advisory panel chair and senior responsible investment analyst.
