Younger will lead CCLA’s ‘Better Environment’ work, managing all stewardship on environmental issues, including climate change and nature – aiming to achieve clear improvements at the companies in which CCLA invests. She will work alongside Wildsmith and report to Dr James Corah, head of sustainability at CCLA.

Previously, Younger spent many years at PIRC Ltd – Europe’s largest independent corporate governance and shareholder advisory consultancy – where she was most recently held the head of engagement. At PIRC, she was responsible for developing active ownership strategies for asset owner clients, steering engagement with listed corporates, and effecting market-wide change through the promotion of strong policy stances, with a particular focus on climate risk and carbon emissions.

Younger also ran the engagement programme for the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF) whose members comprise most of the local authority pension funds in the UK. During this time, Younger worked closely with CCLA while collaborating on investor initiatives and campaigns, including leading on a ‘Say on Climate’ initiative to encourage FTSE companies to put their climate transition plans to a shareholder vote.

Dr Corah said: “As an asset manager, it is crucial that we use our financial power and ownership rights to push for positive change on the issues that matter, including climate change and natural capital … but doing this takes time, resource and expertise. I am therefore delighted that Tessa has joined us to help drive this agenda forward – her track record in active ownership and of leading industry coalitions on climate is exemplary and will support us greatly in our ongoing efforts to protect the natural environment and bring investors together to build a better, healthier, natural world.”

Younger said: “CCLA is not your average investor. Its work over the years to engage companies and governments on a whole range of issues, but notably on climate change, is almost unparalleled. Having worked alongside CCLA in a collaborative manner while I was at PIRC, I have long respected their integrity and their unswerving commitment to delivering real-world change. I am delighted to join such a dynamic leader whose values I share and to accelerate progress and deliver impact in collaboration with colleagues, clients and our industry peers.”

Younger’s appointment is the latest in a series of senior hires CCLA has made to its sustainability team. Late last year, CCLA announced the appointment of Dame Sara Thornton (former UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner) as a consultant on modern slavery and Dr Martin Buttle to lead CCLA’s ‘Better Work’ stream focused on ensuring fair and sustainable working conditions.

CCLA currently manages investments for charities, religious organisations and the public sector. Founded in 1958, it aims to deliver strong long-term returns and has over 50 years’ experience in providing ethical and responsible investment to charities. CCLA is independently owned by its clients with £13 billion of assets under management as at 31 December 2022.

Dawson Cornwell
Specialist family law firm, , a global provider of global expansion and corporate services, active wealth, pensions and incentives, and fund solutions, has announced the appointments of Archie Irtizaali and Michelle Panayi as client development directors.

Jersey-based Irtizaali will be reinforcing existing partnerships and building new ones globally, focusing on expanding business activity, embedding key relationships and enhancing revenue opportunities. Irtizaali has over 20 years of client development experience working in financial services, where he has served in senior roles for global businesses including law firms and – most recently – a global funds administrator.

Panayi, who is based in ZEDRA’s London office, is responsible for designing, developing and implementing global client-focused strategies, including ZEDRA’s key client initiatives such as the Client Listening Programme which proactively collects invaluable feedback from clients and trusted partners on ZEDRA’s offering and client service. Panayi has over 20 years’ experience within professional services, including senior positions at Grant Thornton and BDO.

Panayi said: “Given ZEDRA’s rapid growth and addition of new services, our client base has broadened to include new demographics with bespoke needs. Providing our clients with a best-in-class experience has always been our number one priority and we will continually invest in this to exceed client needs and support them with tailored solutions as they grow.”

Welcoming them, Richard Wakeham, head of commercial and solutions, UK/Offshore at ZEDRA, added: “I am delighted that Michelle and Archie have joined the team. These strategic appointments bolster our position both internally, with staff and management, and externally, with clients and trusted partners, as we move into our eighth year of sustained growth. They also highlight ZEDRA’s continued commitment to combining excellent standards of technical competence with outstanding client service.”