L-R: IGCC Chair, Stephen Dunne, The Hon Matt Kean – Climate Change Authority, Kate Turner – First Sentier Investors, Persephone Fraser – Australian Ethical Investment, Andrew Sellick – QIC, IGCC CEO Rebecca Mikula-Wright.
The annual Climate Leaders’ Awards honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the Investor Group on Climate Change’s (IGCC) mission of accelerating investment for a net zero economy.
The awards were announced at IGCC’s Annual Climate Finance and Investment Summit. Nominations were made by IGCC team members and recognise outstanding efforts by an individual who works for an IGCC member organisation. There are three award categories, one for each IGCC workstream.
- Contribution to Investor Practice
- Best in Corporate Engagement
- Driving the Policy Agenda
In addition to the workstream-related awards, the IGCC Board nominates an individual who has made a significant contribution to furthering the climate ambitions of IGCC members in the last 12 months. The IGCC Chair’s award can go to anyone in the climate finance ecosystem, recognising that action on climate is relevant to all sectors of society and the economy.
The winners of the 2024 IGCC Climate Leaders’ Awards are:
Contribution to Investor Practice
Kate Turner – Global Head of Responsible Investment, First Sentier Investors
Kate has been an important leader helping the asset management industry set targets and stay accountable for climate progress in their portfolios.
She’s recently joined the Advisory Group to the Net Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) initiative, helping to guide the critical work of this global target-setting initiative and injecting a local voice into its deliberations. She has taken a lead in recruiting new asset managers to the program and promotes collaboration among local signatories. She has also acted as an important sounding-board in other areas of IGCC’s work.
Best in Corporate Engagement
Persephone Fraser – Ethical Stewardship Lead (Acting), Australian Ethical Investment
Persephone has taken a lead role this year in our work on positive lobbying and has also led two company engagement groups for Climate Action 100+.
Persephone has been a persistent and steadfast force throughout a year that has been challenging for climate stewardship, making the case for investors and companies to work together on a clear message that the Australian Government must set an ambitious 1.5 degree aligned 2035 NDC, because a fast, well-planned transition provides the best economic results. As a Climate Action 100+ lead investor, Persephone set an extremely high bar and a terrific example for others to follow.
Driving the Policy Agenda
Andrew Sellick – Senior Principal, Queensland Investment Corporation
Andrew has played a starring role in IGCC’s policy engagement work, presenting the economic case for strong adaptation policy to decision makers in Canberra, as well as taking on the co-chair role for the Real Assets Sub-Working Group.
In both worlds, he provides a clear, rational and expert case that supports the mission of a climate resilient economy. He cuts through to whatever audiences he’s talking to. When Andrew talks, explaining the real-world examples from QIC, he’s incredibly convincing.
IGCC Chair’s Award – Individuals Advancing the Cause of Climate Investment
The Hon. Matt Kean – Chair, Climate Change Authority
Matt has made a significant contribution to the climate policy landscape in New South Wales and Australia more broadly, notably in his support for NSW’s Renewable Energy Zones plans, helping create investable pathways for those looking to support climate solutions. His new role with the Climate Change Authority comes with considerable responsibility in terms of driving action on climate in Australia.
“Amid the rapid changes and complexities across the climate finance landscape, it’s more important than ever to pause and recognise the exceptional progress being made.” says Rebeca Mikula-Wright, CEO of IGCC.
“This year’s Climate Leaders’ Award winners exemplify the tremendous impact that steadfast focus and dedication can achieve—a true reflection of the Summit’s theme, Mission 1.5.
Congratulations to each of our award winners, and heartfelt thanks to all finalists for the exceptional calibre of work submitted this year—work that is truly inspiring progress and driving meaningful climate action across the industry.”
More information on the IGCC 2024 Summit, including the program and full line up of speakers is available here.
Media Contact
Fergus Pitt – Director of Media & Communications
+61 476 101 542
fergus.pitt@igcc.org.au