UK-based proxy voting and stewardship provider Pensions & Investment Research Consultants (PIRC) has reshuffled its leadership team, with incumbent Director of Policy Paul Hunter becoming CEO, and investment manager Baillie Gifford’s Head of Governance Gavin Grant named as Chair. Hunter will become CEO on 1 November, while Grant will join in April 2025. Hunter has worked at the PIRC for more than seven years, having bolstered its stewardship, engagement and voting services and helped deliver outcomes for clients to meet their responsible investment and ESG needs. The PIRC has been headed by Managing Director and Founder Alan MacDougall, who is stepping back from his role after 38 years. “I am delighted that Paul will become PIRC’s new chief executive,” said MacDougall. “He is a first-class leader and marries a passion for stewardship with a focus on delivering for clients and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.” PIRC board member Grant will take over as chair from Brian Bailey, former director of pensions at West Midlands Pension Fund, who steps down after eight years in the role. Grant has extensive industry experience, having spent more than nine years as head of active ownership at Norges Bank Investment Management and close to a year as BlackRock’s director of investment stewardship before joining Baillie Gifford in 2019. “I am looking forward to working with Paul as we seek to develop the services we provide to our clients, grow the organisation and enhance the impact PIRC has,” said Grant.
