Australian Ethical chair to step down in 2027

Australian Ethical Investment chair Steve Gibbs has decided to retire from the board at the end of the financial year, putting an end to his 14-year tenure.

Gibbs' departure is part of an "ongoing board renewal process" and he will support an orderly transition, the ethical investment manager said.

Commenting on his departure, Gibbs said he was proud of the progress the company made under his leadership.

"As Australian Ethical marks 40 years of ethical investment leadership, I am deeply proud of what the board, management team and our people have achieved together," he said.

"I have great confidence in the strength of the business, the quality of the board and the momentum behind Australian Ethical's purpose and strategy."

Meanwhile, Australian Ethical John McMurdo thanked Gibbs for his contribution.

"Steve has been a remarkable steward of Australian Ethical. Under his leadership, the company has grown from $700 million in funds under management to $14.5 billion and joined the ASX300," McMurdo said.

"Steve has embodied the purpose of the organisation - investing for a better world - and is widely acknowledged across the sector as a passionate and committed advocate for a more sustainable planet and better outcomes for people and animals.

"Steve will leave Australian Ethical next year with the deep gratitude of the board, management, shareholders and the many stakeholders and causes he has so successfully supported and championed."

Gibbs will also retire from the Australian Ethical Foundation by 30 March 2027, and from Australian Ethical Superannuation by 31 December 2027.

Australian Ethical welcomed Brian Bissker and Karen Orvad to the board in recent years as part of the transition and is "well advanced" in the selection process to appoint two further directors in the first half of 2027.